With extremely heavy frontal rains falling across Taiwan in the last few days, Premier Jiang Yi-huah directed the Executive Yuan's Office of Disaster Management to see to it that local and central government agencies—including the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), Council of Agriculture, National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction—are prepared and ready to respond to possible disasters.
The Central Weather Bureau has issued several extremely heavy rain warnings because of unstable weather in the Taiwan area since May 15. The entire country has received considerable amounts of precipitation, particularly in central Taiwan from the night of May 15 to the morning of May 16, and in northern Taiwan from the night of May 20 to the morning of May 21. As a result of the downpours, one person died (May 15, Taichung City), two are missing (May 20, Nantou County and Yunlin County), and others were injured, trapped or had their homes flooded. As of 8 a.m. May 21, the waters were gradually receding in all areas.
The Executive Yuan has ordered all levels of government to use various means to warn citizens from entering mountainous areas. The MOEA, MOI and MOTC should make sure local agencies manage hydraulic works, clean river deposits and sewerage systems, and monitor the progress of road renovation projects. Central agencies will also take initiative to support local agencies and activate the Central Emergency Operation Center when necessary. The MOI's Department of Civil Affairs, National Police Agency and National Fire Agency should coordinate with local governments to enforce early evacuations and survey disaster damage.
As the rainfall warnings give only short advanced notice, the government reminds citizens to check weather forecasts before going outdoors and to avoid mountainous or river areas when extremely heavy rain warnings are issued. Residents should also follow evacuation and traffic control orders from the government to ensure the safety of their lives and property.