Pingtung Rainfall Second Only to Typhoon Morakot; Widespread Flooding in Kanding and Linbian

Pingtung County, Taiwan, has been struck by intense rainfall due to the convergence of Typhoon Gaemi’s northward movement and a strengthened southwest monsoon. For two consecutive days, heavy downpours overwhelmed local drainage systems, causing flooding in areas including Kanding and Linbian. County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi stated that the current rainfall levels are second only to those seen during Typhoon Morakot, emphasizing that the immediate priority is for floodwaters to recede.

Following severe damage, the Pingtung County Disaster Response Center was elevated to a Level 1 emergency status last night. Widespread flooding has submerged streets in Kanding, Linbian, and Jiadong, entering residential properties. Additionally, a levee failure at Xinghuabu in Wantan Township last night led to water intrusion into Xingquan and Xing'an villages.

Magistrate Chou noted that Premier Cho Jung-tai has pledged central government support for relief efforts. Local township offices have been instructed to assess needs and report to the Disaster Response Center to facilitate rescue, mitigation, and recovery. Currently, 803 people have been evacuated, and 155 are sheltered. The government is coordinating with the military for assistance if necessary, while the Agriculture Department and Social Affairs Department have initiated surveys for agricultural losses and household subsidy applications.