Heavy rainfall in Southern Taiwan results in devastating floods, leaving 4 individuals dead and forcing over 5,900 to flee their homes.
Southern Taiwan Suffers Catastrophic Floods and Typhoon Podul
Southern Taiwan is currently grappling with a severe flood crisis, following a week of extraordinary rainfall that has exceeded the region's infrastructure. The crisis, exacerbated by the approach of Typhoon Podul, has resulted in at least 4 confirmed deaths, with 1 person still missing, as of August 13, 2025.
Over 112 people have been injured, and more than 8,000 residents have been evacuated from multiple cities and counties, including Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Hualien, and Taitung. The region has been severely impacted by nearly 2,900 mm (114 inches) of rain, one of the most severe rainfall events in recent Taiwanese history.
The Taoyuan District of Kaohsiung saw 2,205 mm of total rainfall, while Sandimen Township of Pingtung received 2,060.5 mm and the Nanhua District of Tainan reported 1,883 mm. The heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding and landslides, disrupting school closures and transport systems.
Sarah Tancredi, an experienced journalist and news reporter specializing in environmental and climate crisis issues, has been reporting on the crisis. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that "the floods are a stark reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change and the need for effective disaster management strategies."
Relief and rescue operations are in full swing, with emergency responders using helicopters and boats to reach remote areas. Military units have been deployed to assist in evacuations and deliver essential supplies. The Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief has established donation channels for the Southern Taiwan Floods, and donations can be made through various channels such as the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China (Taiwan), LINE Pay in Taiwan, and FamiPort kiosks at FamilyMart stores.
Donations will be used for emergency relief, housing, food, medical attention, and long-term recovery. Premier Cho Jung-tai has affirmed the government's commitment to the crisis and announced a special relief budget currently in preparation.
As the storm rainfall diminishes starting Monday, authorities are still cautioning residents against traveling to areas at risk. Warnings for landslides and flash flooding are still in effect for southern mountainous regions. Roads are being cleared to restore access to isolated communities.
[1] Taiwan News, "Southern Taiwan Floods: At least 4 dead, 1 missing in Typhoon Podul aftermath," August 13, 2025. [2] Central News Agency, "Southern Taiwan Floods: Latest updates on casualties, evacuations, and power outages," August 13, 2025. [3] CNA News, "Southern Taiwan Floods: Latest updates on the disaster and rescue operations," August 13, 2025. [4] Focus Taiwan, "Southern Taiwan Floods: Massive rescue efforts underway in Kaohsiung's Duona forest trail," August 13, 2025. [5] Central Weather Bureau, "Typhoon Podul: Latest updates on the storm's path and impact on Taiwan," August 13, 2025.
- Various NGOs are encouraging individuals to take part in environmental courses to learn more about sustainable practices and disaster management, recognizing the urgent need for effective strategies in the face of climate-change threats.
- A notable NGO specializing in environmental science is offering free short courses on sustainability, emphasizing the importance of green initiatives, and with a focus on the connection between climate-change, politics, and general-news, particularly in the context of events like the Southern Taiwan floods.
- As part of its efforts to raise awareness, an environmental NGO is organizing a series of events addressing the impact of climate-change on the environment and the significant role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in shaping policies to combat climate-change and promote sustainable development.
- In light of the Southern Taiwan flood crisis, growing calls have been made for better infrastructure and disaster management, with climate-change, environmental-science, and politics experts urging the government to prioritize long-term solutions in the face of increased climate-change events and growing concerns over climate-change's effect on the environment and society.
- As the cleanup and recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the Southern Taiwan floods, there have been reports of accidents, infrastructure damages, and even cases of crime-and-justice, with missing persons' cases and disputes over property and resources on the rise.
- International environmental NGOs and mainstream media outlets are closely monitoring the situation and providing reporting on the flood crisis in Southern Taiwan, offering analysis on potential causes, impact, and the role of climate-change in the event.
- On a local level, several grassroots NGOs are working closely with the government and aid organizations to provide essential services in the flooded regions, ensuring the wellbeing of displaced residents and contributing to the long-term recovery efforts and reinforcing their commitment to environmental sustainability and disaster management.
