By KHT Staff. Images via KH City Govt.
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung officials inspected drainage systems and flood-control sites Thursday after days of heavy rain brought more than 500 millimeters of accumulated rainfall to several districts.
The Kaohsiung City Government said rainfall in Meinong (美濃), Dashu (大樹), Cishan (旗山), and other districts exceeded 500 mm, while several urban and low-lying areas recorded more than 350 mm. The Central Weather Administration said short bursts of heavy rain remained possible Thursday.
Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) visited Cieding District (茄萣區) to inspect drainage at the Cieding Main Drain and review plans for tide gates and drainage improvements. He later visited Hunei District (湖內區) to check drainage and road conditions.
The Water Resources Bureau (水利局) said Cieding is vulnerable to drainage pressure during heavy rain and high tides because of its low elevation. The city is planning tide gates and a large pumping station there, with a budget of about NT$1.1 billion.
The bureau said it has also applied for NT$22 million in central government funding to replace existing roadside gutters with a stormwater drainage system measuring 1 meter wide and 1 meter deep.
In Hunei, the city said it has completed almost 1,500 meters of diversion box culverts under an NT$120 million drainage improvement project, which officials said is meant to reduce pressure on downstream drainage systems during heavy rain.
The Environmental Protection Bureau (環保局) said cleanup crews had cleared storm drains, roadside gutters, and drainage openings after fallen leaves and garbage blocked water flow. From June 24 to Thursday, the bureau said it had mobilized more than 1,400 workers and 210 vehicles, cleared some 87 kilometers of gutters and drains, and removed about 210 metric tons of waste.
Chen said the city would continue 24-hour monitoring of rainfall, water levels, and disaster reports while deploying pumps and emergency crews as needed.
