Heavy Rain Alert: Taipei City Urges Public to Avoid Mountain and Water Areas

(CNA, by reporter Chen Yu-ting, Taipei, 9th) Affected by a stationary front and southwest monsoon, the Central Weather Administration forecasts significant rainfall for today and tomorrow. The Taipei City Government has advised the public to avoid mountain and water areas, as continuous rainfall can easily lead to soft soil, rockfalls, and collapses in the mountains surrounding Taipei.

The Taipei City Office of Disaster Prevention and Response issued a press release today stating that the Central Weather Administration initiated enhanced operations for large-scale torrential rain yesterday and held an inter-ministerial and inter-city meeting last night. The assessment concluded that Taiwan's overall weather is highly unstable, with a high probability of short-duration heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong gusts in various areas, requiring close attention to real-time, drastic weather changes.

The office indicated that according to Weather Administration data, the dual impact of the stationary front and southwest monsoon will be most severe today and tomorrow. Heavy or locally torrential rain is expected in the western half, northeastern parts, and all mountainous areas of Taiwan. Specifically, total rainfall in Taipei City could reach 100 to 200 millimeters in urban areas and 150 to 250 millimeters in the mountains. Extreme caution is advised for sudden short-duration downpours, lightning, and strong winds.

The office reminded the public that mountainous areas around Taipei, such as the Yangmingshan area and the mountains of Wenshan and Neihu, are prone to soft soil, rockfalls, and collapses under continuous rainfall. The public is urged to avoid visiting these mountain and water areas as much as possible. Furthermore, as the high tide period will begin after the 12th, water levels can rise rapidly during heavy rain. Those planning to visit riverside parks over the weekend must pay attention to the latest weather information.

In addition, following a residential gas explosion on Gaocui Road in Hsinchu City's East District early this morning, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated on Facebook that the incident was extremely heart-wrenching. He has spoken with Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao to express condolences and offered full assistance, stating that Taipei City will immediately provide support, whether in manpower or equipment, should Hsinchu City require it.

Chiang Wan-an said the top priority now is the all-out search and rescue effort and treatment of the injured. He also expressed his highest respect and gratitude to all firefighters, police, and frontline personnel involved in the disaster response, and wished for the safety of Hsinchu. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150609