By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Heavy rain flooded roads across Kaohsiung and forced traffic closures Sunday, Aug. 23, while a damaged section of Cinan Road (旗楠路) in Nanzih District (楠梓區) was linked to five reported motorcycle crashes beginning late Saturday night. Two riders were taken to hospital, according to police accounts carried by Liberty Times and United Daily News.
The disruptions affected urban streets, rural communities and a mountain highway. The rain was associated with a low-pressure belt and strong southwesterly winds, according to Public Television Service. Some parts of Kaohsiung recorded more than 300 millimeters of rain over the preceding 24 hours, United Daily News reported.
Flooded roads closed in Alian
The Alian District Office said several roads in Alian District (阿蓮區) were closed because of standing water.
The district office said elevated water in a drainage channel prevented runoff from escaping.
Pavement damage and fallen trees
Police said they began receiving reports of motorcycle crashes on west-to-east Cinan Road at about 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. A depression in the road was difficult to see during heavy rain, and crashes continued after officers initially placed traffic cones at the site.
Police later added warning signs and flashing lights and stationed officers at the location. Authorities advised drivers and riders to reduce speed, leave more space between vehicles and avoid sudden braking.
On Shuefu Road near Dashe District (大社區), trees and soil fell onto the roadway shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday. Police restricted traffic and work crews brought in heavy equipment to clear the site, according to United Daily News.
A tree also fell at the intersection of Wufu 2nd Road and Wenheng Road in Sinsing District (新興區) at about 9 a.m. No injuries or vehicle damage were reported, and city workers cleared the road within an hour. Officials had not determined whether wind, saturated soil or both caused the tree to fall.
Provincial Highway 27 closed
The Highway Bureau imposed a precautionary closure on Provincial Highway 27 between kilometer markers 11.5 and 23.1, from Jhongsing to Dajin in Liouguei District (六龜區), at 10 a.m. Sunday.
The bureau cited continued mountain rain, poor visibility, softened slopes and rising water in the Laonong River. The route will remain closed until weather conditions improve and inspections confirm it is safe, according to a United Daily News report.
Sources: Liberty Times reports supplied to KHT; Public Television Service; United Daily News reports on Qinan Road, Xuefu Road and Provincial Highway 27.
