TAIWAN – July 28, 2025 — Torrential rainfall caused by a low-pressure belt and intensified southwesterly winds has battered central and southern Taiwan, leading to severe flooding and the suspension of classes in multiple areas.
According to the Central Weather Administration (CWA), heavy downpours have continued throughout the day, prompting authorities to escalate emergency weather alerts. At 2:00 p.m., the agency launched intensified rain monitoring and announced a 24-hour rainfall forecast update at 4:00 p.m., indicating that three areas—Chiayi County, Kaohsiung City, and the mountainous regions of Taitung County—have exceeded the threshold for school closures.
Rainfall Estimates Raise Alarm
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Chiayi County: Estimated rainfall of 150 to 250 mm in both plains and mountainous areas
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Kaohsiung City: Estimated rainfall of 250 to 400 mm
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Taitung County (mountainous regions): Estimated rainfall of 200 to 300 mm
The heavy rains have already resulted in flash flooding in some districts, disrupting transportation and forcing local governments to activate emergency response protocols.
Guidelines for Suspension of Classes and Work
Under Taiwan’s “Regulations on Suspension of Work and School Due to Natural Disasters,” work and classes may be suspended if:
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A typhoon’s storm radius is expected to pass within 4 hours
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Sustained winds reach Level 7 or gusts exceed Level 10
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Forecasts indicate rainfall over the next 24 hours may exceed:
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200 mm in mountainous areas
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350 mm in plains (and across all zones in Tainan, Pingtung, and Hualien)
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Final decisions, however, rest with individual county and city governments based on local conditions and risk assessments.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Safety Reminders
Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather situation and urge the public to stay alert for announcements from local governments. Residents in low-lying or landslide-prone areas are advised to evacuate if necessary and avoid traveling unless absolutely essential.
The Central Weather Administration will continue to release real-time updates as the situation develops.
