Extreme rainfall hits Taiwan, causing huge agricultural losses

Extremely heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm “Nesat” over the weekend hit parts of Taiwan, causing huge agricultural losses. The worst affected were farmers in the northern and northeastern parts of the country.

Rainfall totals over the course of 72 hours reached astronomical levels as a result of Nesat, according to data from the Central Weather Bureau, Taiwan’s weather service.¹

Shilin District of Taipei City recorded 1 818 mm (71.6 inches) of rainfall from October 14 to 16. Over the same period, dozens of other stations in the northern portion of Taiwan recorded rainfall amounts from 700 – 1 000 mm (28 – 40 inches).

According to estimates made by the Council of Agriculture (COA), the torrential rainfall that has drenched Taiwan in recent days has caused at least NT$4.01 million (US$127,000), as of 12:00 LT, October 18.

Yilan County has been the hardest hit of any area in Taiwan, with up NT$3.79 million in losses to date, with Taoyuan coming next with estimated losses of NT$220 000.

According to the COA, farmers growing cabbage, ginger, garlic sprouts, and green onions were the hardest hit, experiencing losses of NT$1.42 million, NT$862 000, NT$629 000, and NT$516 000, respectively.

Massive landslide hits Taiwan’s Yilan County

References:

¹ Dramatic flood rescues ensue in Philippines, Taiwan following astronomical rainfall – AccuWeather – October 17, 2022

² Agricultural losses from heavy rains up to NT$4 million – Focus Taiwan – October 18, 2022

Featured image: Tropical Storm “Nesat” at 00:00 UTC on October 15, 2022. Credit: JMA/Himawari-8, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers