TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Heavy rain caused flooding and hillside erosion in parts of Kaohsiung on Saturday, prompting Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) to inspect affected areas and flood-control facilities.
Chen first inspected the reconstruction of Bakong Bridge in Renwu District and drainage conditions around the Caogong New Canal, per CNA. Kaohsiung’s Water Resources Bureau said improvements at a bottleneck near the canal's confluence have increased its flood-carrying capacity.
Chen called for monitoring of construction and faster work once weather conditions improve, while maintaining safety. Road disruptions on Shennong Road in Niaosong District and Chengqing and Guangfu roads in Fengshan District had largely returned to normal.
Chen also inspected drainage facilities on Bade North Road and hillside erosion along Renyong Road, where runoff carried mud and sediment onto Chiji Street and Lane 99. He called for measures to intercept runoff and strengthen drainage, including assessing a possible connection to the detention basin at Tzu Hui Park.
Hourly rainfall reached 81 mm in parts of Kaohsiung, while 24-hour accumulated rainfall exceeded 200 mm, per Liberty Times. The city said it will continue monitoring rainfall and water levels while urging motorists to slow down in wet conditions.
