Persistent heavy rain shuts down schools and offices across southern Taiwan this weekend. The continuous downpour, following Typhoon Danas’ destruction in early July, has caused local governments to close offices and schools. Authorities took these precautions due to ongoing threats of flooding and landslides in the region.
Since Typhoon Danas struck around July 6, heavy rain has soaked several areas, including Tainan, Chiayi, Yunlin, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. Local officials decided to shut down schools and workplaces to ensure public safety. Usually, these closures occur only during typhoons or tropical storms. However, the severity of this rainstorm made such measures necessary.
On Sunday, offices and schools in Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Chiayi County will remain closed, according to the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration. Pingtung has also closed schools and offices in nine townships, signaling the seriousness of the situation. The heavy rain continues to disrupt daily life for many residents. Some rainfall monitoring stations recorded unprecedented levels of rain this July.
Nanhui in Taitung received 1,851.5 millimeters of rain, marking the highest July total in 86 years. Additionally, Sun Moon Lake recorded 1,297 millimeters, while Chenggong in Taitung saw 979 millimeters. Both stations began operations in 1940, making this rainfall especially historic.
The Central Weather Administration warns that the extremely heavy rain will continue across areas stretching from Changhua to Pingtung and Taitung through Sunday morning. Mountainous regions in Pingtung face the most intense rainfall, categorized as extremely torrential rain.
Meanwhile, northern Taiwan avoided the worst of the storm but still experienced afternoon thundershowers. On Friday and Saturday, heavy rain even briefly suspended ground operations at Taipei Songshan Airport, demonstrating how widespread the impacts were.
Forecasters expect the southwest monsoon to weaken after August 5. At the same time, a Pacific high-pressure system will strengthen, bringing relief. North Taiwan will likely see thundershowers for a few more days but should enjoy sunnier weather from August 6 to 7.
In summary, heavy rain shuts down schools and offices in southern Taiwan as authorities prioritize safety amid flooding and landslide risks. Residents hope the approaching weather changes will bring a break from the relentless downpour.
