Heavy rainfall from Typhoon Mekkhala caused flooding in parts of Taiwan on Thursday, prompting authorities to evacuate more than 200 residents on the eastern coast. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall, its outer rain bands have brought torrential downpours across the island. The severe weather has disrupted daily life and raised concerns over potential flooding and landslides.
Authorities reported localized flooding in Taipei and southern regions, particularly in Kaohsiung and Pingtung. In Taipei’s Neihu district, floodwaters rose high enough to nearly submerge vehicles. As conditions worsened, officials ordered the closure of offices and schools in parts of Pingtung and several mountainous areas of Kaohsiung.
The most serious concern emerged in eastern Hualien County, where authorities began evacuating residents from two townships located downstream of a rapidly filling barrier lake. More than 200 people are being moved to safer areas amid fears that the natural water barrier could breach and trigger dangerous flooding.
Barrier lakes form when landslides, rocks, or other natural debris block river channels and trap large volumes of water. Officials remain cautious due to the risk posed by such formations. Last year, a breached barrier lake in another part of Hualien caused deadly flooding during a powerful typhoon, highlighting the dangers associated with these natural dams.
Weather forecasts indicate that rainfall will continue across Taiwan for at least another week, although intensity is expected to gradually decrease. Despite the disruption, the precipitation is expected to benefit reservoir levels. Taiwan depends heavily on seasonal typhoons to replenish water supplies following typically dry winter months.