Premier Jiang Yi-huah yesterday asked government agencies to be on alert for severe downpour and possible flooding as a cloud system over the southern part of mainland China makes its way toward Taiwan. If precipitation becomes strong enough, he said, the central government would not rule out setting up a central emergency response center.
The premier called a meeting of Cabinet officials yesterday afternoon at the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), saying the rainstorm threat cannot be taken lightly. All central-level disaster-prevention agencies and local governments must watch for severe rain advisories and keep their subordinate agencies prepared. The central government will provide local governments with the latest information and assistance.
The CWB said a plum rain front currently hanging over southern mainland China appears to be ripe for rainfall. The leading edge of the front advanced toward Taiwan on May 16 and brought with it intense downpour. Parts of central and southern Taiwan have already reached "extremely heavy rain" levels (over 130 mm of rain within 24 hours). The front will move closer to Taiwan today and hover over the area through May 22. During this period, unstable weather conditions could produce continuous rainfall, and some areas may see "torrential" or "extremely torrential" rain levels (over 200 mm or 350 mm of rain, respectively, in 24 hours).
As the severe rain advisory will extend into the weekend, authorities were asked to spread warnings to citizens to avoid mountainous areas. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and local agencies will inspect reservoirs, dredge rivers and sewers, and check road construction progress. Precautionary measures will also be taken at hazardous road sections and bridges to protect the safety of repair crews.
In the event of flooding disasters, the MOEA will set up emergency command centers at local governments. The MOI will dispatch its fire, police and civil affairs units to prepare local governments for implementing evacuations and disaster surveys. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the Council of Agriculture (COA) will also be ready to conduct disaster relief and issue landslide warnings.
The Executive Yuan's Office of Disaster Management indicated last year's plum rain season poured an average record 902.4 mm of precipitation on plains across Taiwan. One frontal system in June caused widespread flooding, knocked out roads and caused extensive agricultural loss. Heavy rains on May 11 this year also soaked many areas in central and northern Taiwan.
Yesterday's meeting was hosted by Executive Yuan Deputy Secretary-General Chien Tai-lang, and attended by Office of Disaster Management Director Shih Tseng-kang, Water Resources Agency Director-General Yang Wei-fu, Central Weather Bureau Director-General Shin Tzay-chyn, as well as officials from the MOI, MOEA, MND, MOTC, COA and the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction.
The Executive Yuan again reminds citizens to check weather forecasts for outdoor activities and to avoid mountains and riversides. For their personal and property safety, citizens should comply with the government's precautionary evacuation and traffic restriction measures.