Kaohsiung heavy rain causes wall collapses and school closures

Heavy rainfall in Kaohsiung has caused significant geological instability, leading to retaining wall collapses and school closures. In the Siaogang District, a retaining wall on Songfu Street collapsed on August 28, burying three motorcycles. Despite emergency stabilization efforts by the Public Works Bureau, a second collapse occurred on the evening of August 30 following heavy rain. The collapse area has expanded to approximately 40 meters. Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated that comprehensive improvement plans will proceed once the rain subsides, while local authorities have implemented road closures and preventive evacuations for nearby residents.

In the Gushan District, continuous rain caused soil loosening and cracks near school embankments. Consequently, Shoushan Junior High School, Shoushan Elementary School, and its affiliated kindergarten announced a one-day suspension of classes on August 31 to ensure student and staff safety. The Kaohsiung Education Bureau has deployed professional engineers to conduct safety assessments and monitor the situation as more rain is expected in the coming days.