Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

As this year’s flood season nears, two frontal systems are forecasted to impact Taiwan this week, bringing unstable weather. The first front is expected on Wednesday, April 9, and may bring intense rainfall, while a second system will arrive on Saturday, April 12, with more significant precipitation expected in northern and northeastern Taiwan. To prevent flooding caused by heavy rain, the Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO) of the Public Works Bureau, Taipei City Government has already completed maintenance at the city’s pump stations and reinforced inspection and upkeep of flood protection facilities, including mobile pumping equipment, in preparation for these weather events.

The HEO also reminds citizens to follow three key steps for flood preparedness to stay safe and reduce disaster impact. In addition to self-initiated measures, residents are encouraged to utilize smart disaster prevention tools to strengthen resilience.

In addition, the Hydraulic Engineering Office reminds the public to carry out three key actions: clear any debris from the top of storm drain covers, have personnel install flood barriers, and stay informed about water conditions at all times. In addition to self-initiated disaster prevention, citizens are also encouraged to integrate technology-based disaster prevention measures to further reduce the risk of flooding.

Step 1: Clear Nearby Drain Covers

Ensure the area above storm drain covers near your home is free from obstructions. Common items like flower pots, floor mats, plastic sheets, and fallen leaves can block water from entering the drainage system during heavy rain, leading to surface flooding.

Step 2: Install Flood Barriers

At entrances to ground-floor residences and underground parking garages, install flood gates or water barriers in a timely manner. Sudden bursts of heavy rainfall can exceed the protection standards of stormwater systems, often causing flooding in basements and first-floor areas. Properly installed flood barriers provide critical first-line protection during intense rain, safeguarding lives and property.

Step 3: Stay Informed

Download the Taipei Mobile Disaster Prevention App to receive real-time updates on rainfall, river levels, sewer levels, and pump station status. Stay alert with immediate access to key flood data. The HEO’s official LINE account also provides convenient services for checking rainfall, water levels, drainage system status, and flood-prone areas—empowering citizens with multi-channel access to critical information. 

In recent years, climate change has increased both the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, which are difficult to forecast accurately. Even a single afternoon thunderstorm can lead to flooding. While flood control infrastructure is critical, all such systems have capacity limits. When rainfall intensity exceeds the design standards of public drainage systems, the risk of localized flooding rises sharply. 

Finally, the HEO urges all residents to remain vigilant during the flood season. There may be very little warning time when heavy rain arrives. By taking early precautions and completing the three preparedness steps, citizens can build their own disaster response capabilities while leveraging smart technology for disaster prevention—ultimately reducing damage, inconvenience, and risk.