Heavy rain forces closure of schools, offices in parts of southern Taiwan

Taipei, Aug. 2 (CNA) Schools and government offices in Tainan, Kaohsiung, Chiayi County, and parts of Pingtung County will be closed on Sunday, due to heavy rainfall, local governments announced on Saturday.

According to the Central Weather Administration (CWA), Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Chiayi County is likely to record up to 340 mm of rainfall from Saturday evening through Sunday evening, driven by strong southwesterly winds.

The nine affected townships in Pingtung -- Chunri, Laiyi, Majia, Mudan, Sandimen, Shizi, Wutai, Taiwu, and Gaoshu -- may experience up to 490 mm of rainfall during the same period, the CWA said.

Authorities have issued alerts for possible flooding, landslides, and transport disruptions, urging residents to stay cautious and follow local safety instructions.

On Saturday, 345 people were evacuated from Kaohsiung's Baolai Hot Springs area due to a high risk of landslides. Of that number, 22 were being housed in a local shelter, while 323 were staying with relatives.

In Tainan, Yongkang District recorded the highest hourly rainfall of 103.5 mm on Saturday, with over one-third of the city's 37 districts seeing more than 40 mm of rainfall in one hour.

Flooding led to emergency closures of underpasses in central Tainan, while in the city's Anding District, firefighters had to transport a dialysis patient to hospital by boat.

As of 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 35 roads and 26 bridges in Tainan were closed, and 13 temporary shelters had been opened to accommodate 57 evacuees.

In Chiayi County, sections of provincial highways No. 3 and No. 18 were closed as a precaution.

The closures will remain in effect until at least 8 a.m. Sunday, pending further updates on weather and road conditions, the local government said.