Tainan's August rainfall hits record high, water pumping exceeds 81 million tons

Tainan's rainfall in August was 1,372 millimeters, the second highest in history, and water pumping exceeded 81 million tons. (Provided by Tainan City Government)

Affected by southwesterly airflow, low-pressure belts, and successive heavy rains, Tainan City experienced 21 rainy days in August, with rainfall reaching 1,372.5 mm, the second highest in history. The heavy rainfall caused a significant increase in the load on the drainage systems in some areas. The Water Conservancy Bureau integrated pumping stations, mobile pumps, and various flood control resources to fully invest in rainwater pumping to reduce the impact on citizens' lives.

The cumulative rainfall at the Tainan station in August this year reached 1,372.5 millimeters, the second highest since observation records began in 1897, second only to 1,510.3 millimeters in August 1994. The Water Conservancy Bureau pointed out that from August 21 to 25, the rainfall brought by the low pressure belt and southwesterly winds reached 1,134 millimeters in Rende District and 503 millimeters in 24 hours in Yongkang District, reaching the level of heavy rain. Compared with Tainan's August climate average (1991-2020), which is 466.1 millimeters, the monthly rainfall in Rende this year has been more than three times the average in previous years, posing an even greater challenge to flood control work.

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The Water Conservancy Bureau further explained that in the face of the staggering rainfall in August, the Water Conservancy Bureau devoted all its efforts to flood control preparations and pumping and drainage. According to statistics, a total of 67 water pumping stations started pumping in August, with a pumping volume of about 81 million tons. Between August 21 and 25, the pumped water volume was about 74.6 million tons, accounting for 92% of August. After the rainfall stopped, the water quickly receded.

The Water Conservancy Bureau finally reminds citizens that in the face of unstable weather during the flood season, they can make more use of the Tainan City Government's official LINE account or download the "Tainan Water Conditions Instant APP" to keep abreast of the latest water conditions and meteorological information, and make early preparations for disaster prevention and avoidance. If you find that leaves, debris, or plastic mats are blocking side ditch drains, ditch covers, or private ditches, please help clear them, or report them to the city’s 1999 citizen service hotline to speed up drainage.

Tainan's 67 water pumping stations are fully operational, and the Water Conservancy Bureau urges the public to prepare for flood prevention. (Provided by Tainan City Government)