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Southern Taiwan flooding and political response

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2026-08-25 03:42 UTC → 2026-08-25 06:50 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Heavy rainfall and strong southwest winds caused severe flooding across southern Taiwan, impacting regions including Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. In Tainan, mayoral candidate Chen Ting-fei advocated for “regional flood control” strategies, such as natural water retention spaces, to combat high-intensity rainfall. The disaster has intensified political friction regarding government funding and response capabilities. Executive Yuan Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that his ability to conduct on-site inspections was limited because the Legislative Yuan cut the ‘Administrative Promotion Liaison Fee’ by approximately 90%, or 5.53 million TWD. As a result, Cho has been managing disaster updates via telephone and video conferencing. This claim has drawn sharp criticism; Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen stated that citizens are suffering while leaders offer excuses, and Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ke Chih-en urged the central government to prioritize resources for flood relief and compensation. Addressing public criticism that southern Taiwan receives less flood prevention funding than Taipei, the Ministry of Economic Affairs clarified that historical budget allocations between 1982 and 2013 focused heavily on the capital region. The Ministry noted that while the Taipei metropolitan area accounts for nearly 60% of cumulative flood control spending, current management strategies are based on regional hydrological needs and terrain rather than simple budget distribution. To assist those affected, the Ministry of Finance previously announced that residents could apply for tax reductions across nine categories within 30 days of the disaster. Recent developments highlight ongoing infrastructure damage and local emergency measures. In Kaohsiung’s Nanzi District, authorities have used cement to stabilize ground near residential areas following a road collapse. Tainan City has activated social welfare mechanisms to support vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and homeless, following school and work closures.

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