By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung suspended work and classes in Cishan District (旗山區) and Meinong District (美濃區) from noon Thursday after heavy rain triggered flooding concerns and a landslide warning. Later in the afternoon, the suspension was expanded to most of the mountainous northeastern regions of Kaohsiung. The Pingtung County Government also announced suspension of classes and work across many parts of the county.
The Kaohsiung City Government (高雄市政府) said the districts were affected by large-scale heavy rain linked to the outer circulation of Typhoon Mekkhala (米克拉). Officials said the city had also received information from the Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation that a yellow alert for landslides and debris flows would be issued for the two districts.
The city said the suspension was ordered to protect public safety.
Kaohsiung’s Water Resources Bureau (水利局) said strong showers and thunderstorms continued across the city Thursday, with a southwesterly rain band lingering over mountainous area for about six hours.
Rainfall in Cishan reached 104 millimeters in one hour and 185 millimeters over three hours, meeting the threshold for torrential rain, the bureau said. Some areas in Cishan reported localized flooding.
The bureau said pumping stations in Cishan were operating according to standard procedures and water levels in collection wells. It said the Xizhou (溪洲) and Kunzhou (鯤州) pumping stations began operations early Thursday as water levels rose and were continuing to help drain flooded areas.
Officials said short-term flooding can still occur when rainfall exceeds the capacity of local drainage systems, even when drainage facilities are functioning normally. Most road flooding is expected to recede quickly after rain eases, the bureau said.
Residents can call 1999 for disaster information or 119 for emergency rescue.
Source: Kaohsiung City Government, Kaohsiung Water Resources Bureau
