Torrential rain forces school, office closures across southern Taiwan

Taiwan experienced torrential rains this past Monday, compelling offices and schools to shut down in southern regions. Some rail services also faced disruptions, with officials on high alert for an impending typhoon in the northern part of the island later in the week. A persistent low-pressure system over the southern part of Taiwan since recent days has led to heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding.

Local governments in Kaohsiung and Tainan, housing over four million inhabitants, mandated closures of offices and schools. Counties of Pingtung, Chiayi, Taitung, and Hualien also followed suit. The Kaohsiung administration forecasted cumulative rainfall over five days to surpass 1.3 meters, which is roughly half the annual average for the city.

The Taiwan Railway Service announced disruptions on the primary east coast line, including cancellations of express trains and local trains dependent on weather conditions. Taitung County Chief April Yao cautioned on her Facebook page, "If you've got nothing on, for goodness sake don't go out." Separately, Taiwan's Central Weather Administration reported that Typhoon Saudel, presently heading towards Japan's southern Okinawa region, is anticipated to pass by Taiwan's northern part early on Friday before reaching China's eastern coast.