Taiwan warns of landslides as rain loosens mountain soil

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署) issued heavy rain and torrential rain warnings for southern Taiwan on Monday (June 15). A stationary front lingering over the island's northern waters is bringing thunderstorms, flash flood risks and strong winds to central and southern regions through Tuesday evening.

The weather agency issued a severe thunderstorm bulletin for Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County, valid until 5:56 p.m. local time. Penghu County faces the most intense conditions, with localized torrential rain expected. Heavy rain advisories also cover areas from Taichung southward, including Nantou County and the outlying Matsu Islands.

Consecutive days of rainfall have loosened soil in mountainous areas, raising landslide and rockfall risks. The administration warned residents to watch for lightning strikes, strong gusts, flash flooding in low-lying areas, and debris flows in mountainous terrain. Residents should avoid rivers, streams and mountain areas unless necessary.

Strong wind advisories are in effect from Monday morning through Tuesday evening for Taoyuan, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung, Taitung County including Lanyu and Green Island, Penghu and the Matsu Islands. Winds could reach Beaufort force 6, or 39-49 km/h (24-30 mph), with gusts up to force 8, or 62-74 km/h (39-46 mph).

Outdoor workers should take precautions, and drivers should slow down and watch for falling tree branches, loose building materials and downed power lines. Spring tides through Thursday will cause higher-than-normal water levels in coastal areas. This could worsen drainage in low-lying areas during rainfall.

The front is expected to gradually move away on Tuesday and Wednesday, with moisture levels decreasing and temperatures rising.

From Thursday through Sunday (June 18-21), the Pacific high pressure system will extend westward, bringing stable but hot conditions. Daytime highs across Taiwan are forecast to reach 31-34°C (88-93°F), with the outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen (金門) and Matsu seeing highs of 29-31°C (84-88°F).

Foehn wind conditions are possible in Taitung on Wednesday and Thursday, which could bring sudden temperature spikes and dry conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms will remain possible in mountainous areas through the weekend. ◼

>>> The Central Weather Administration updates its forecasts and warnings regularly at www.cwa.gov.tw.