Destructive floods hit southern Taiwan after 2 900 mm (114 inches) of rainfall in one week

Torrential rainfall affecting Taiwan from July 28–August 4, 2025 produced accumulations of nearly 2 900 mm (114 inches) in Kaohsiung’s Maolin area, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.

Other high‑impact locations included Wutai Township in Pingtung County, which recorded 2 364 mm (93.07 inches). The totals surpassed Taiwan’s annual average rainfall of about 2 100 mm (83 inches) and approached records set by Typhoon Morakot in 2009.

According to CWA data, central and southern observation stations recorded daily totals above 200 mm (7.87 inches) for seven consecutive days, meeting the “extremely heavy” classification for the first time since 1998.

Several sites reported “extremely torrential” rain of more than 500 mm (19.69 inches) in 24 hours or over 100 mm (3.94 inches) in three hours.

The rainfall was caused by a persistent southwesterly airstream from the South China Sea under a low‑pressure system, intensified by moisture from Typhoon Co‑may.

This pattern sustained intense precipitation across the island’s south and central mountain ranges.

The Ministry of the Interior’s National Fire Agency confirmed at least four fatalities, with up to five reported by local authorities, three missing persons, and 78 injuries. Landslides, flooding, and road collapses affected multiple counties, including Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Chiayi, and Tainan.

Nearly 6 000 people were evacuated from high‑risk areas. More than 50 671 households experienced power outages at the peak of the event, with 303 still offline on August 4. Landslides severed key road links, isolating mountain communities and complicating rescue and supply operations.

The Council of Agriculture estimated agricultural losses at NT$ 260.19 million (USD 8.7 million), with persimmon and date orchards among the hardest hit. Damage assessments continue as floodwaters recede.

Premier Cho Jung‑tai announced plans for a NT$ 30 billion (USD 1 billion) special reconstruction budget, with measures including cash aid for displaced residents and low‑interest loans for farmers. Relief teams remain deployed in affected areas, clearing debris and restoring basic services.

The CWA lifted its “0728 Southwesterly Airflow Extremely Heavy Rain Incident” advisory on August 4. However, forecasters warn of continued instability and the possibility of further rainfall in the coming days, particularly in mountainous terrain where soil saturation increases the risk of additional landslides.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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