Typhoon Bavi Approaches Keelung, Intensifying Dredging Efforts; Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang Urges Preparedness Against Storm Surges

(CNA, Keelung, July 6) With Typhoon Bavi approaching Taiwan, Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang, after inspecting the dredging of city drains today, urged citizens to be aware of the impact of storm surges and tides. The city government will convene a typhoon preparedness meeting tomorrow morning to ensure full readiness.

Hsieh Kuo-liang visited Siao 3rd Road at 2 PM to inspect drain dredging operations. The Environmental Protection Bureau deployed a sewer cleaning vehicle and several personnel to excavate and pump muddy water into the vehicle's storage tank. During the operation, a wooden plank over 1 meter long was discovered inside the drain.

Hsieh Kuo-liang stated in an interview that with the approach of the powerful Typhoon Bavi, the Environmental Protection Bureau began dredging operations on the sewers and drains of important city road sections this afternoon. As the city's drainage ultimately flows into Keelung Port, special attention must be paid to the impact of storm surges and tides. He has instructed the Environmental Protection Bureau to ensure thorough dredging.

Wang Yung-han, captain of the cleaning team's Zhong 2nd Squad, stated in an interview that four vehicles and 15 personnel were dispatched this morning to reinforce the clearing of drains in low-lying and flood-prone areas of the city, including Zhong 2nd Road, Zhong 3rd Road, and Ai 2nd Road. They are maintaining close contact with neighborhood chiefs and will dispatch personnel to clear drain sludge immediately upon receiving notifications.

Wang Yung-han added that tomorrow, they plan to continue clearing drain sludge and debris from drain covers in city sections, including Siao 4th Road, Zhong 1st Road, and the area around Gongyuan Street, to ensure smooth water flow into the drains during heavy rainfall.

Regarding some citizens' practice of covering drain grates with mats to prevent mosquito breeding, Wang Yung-han appealed for the removal of these mats, as they severely impede drainage efficiency. He urged citizens to remove them during the typhoon period and to refrain from throwing cigarette butts, garbage, or sandbags into the drains to prevent water from being unable to drain smoothly during heavy rain. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150706

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