Tainan flooding prompts calls for upgraded regional drainage systems

Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in several areas of Tainan, including Rende and Yongkang districts. In response, Tainan mayoral candidate Chen Ting-fei led a site inspection alongside officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Water Resources Agency to evaluate local drainage systems.

Chen highlighted that extreme weather patterns, characterized by high-intensity rainfall, are challenging existing infrastructure designed for lower flood frequencies. She advocated for a shift toward “regional flood control” that integrates urban planning with drainage improvements, such as creating more natural water retention spaces and installing submersible pumping stations.

Meanwhile, the political debate has intensified regarding the cause of the flooding. The Kuomintang (KMT) criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for what they termed “double standards,” arguing that while flooding in opposition-led areas is often blamed on administrative failure, flooding in DPP-led areas is attributed to extreme weather. The KMT called for transparency regarding flood control budgets and the effectiveness of existing engineering projects.