TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Southern Taiwan has been experiencing a severe lack of rainfall since the end of last year. According to data, it has been over 550 days since the last time 24-hour rainfall levels exceeded 200 millimeters.
According to Peng Chih-ming, general manager of a climate risk management company, "from June 2021 to January 2022, Kaohsiung received more than 1,000 millimeters less rainfall, with an average of only 1,600 millimeters, and similar patterns have been observed in Tainan and Chiayi."
"As one moves south, the amount of rainfall decreases; only in Yilan is there a relatively high amount of rainfall," Peng added. Tainan's annual rainfall in 2022 was only 1,001 mm, compared to 2,241.5 mm in 2021.
"As we enter Spring, it appears that we are entering a period of anti-El Nino development, which means that sea temperatures in the Middle East and the Pacific are relatively cold. Under this configuration, Taiwan will not see too much spring rain," said Chen Meng-shi of the Central Weather Bureau.
The Chianan area has already begun to strengthen water conservation measures by stopping irrigation during the first phase of rice cropping. Tainan has moved its nighttime decompression water supply adjustment from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Kaohsiung, which relies heavily on the Gaoping River for water supply, has maintained a good water level. The total backup water is 970,000 tons daily, with approximately 600,000 tons activated.
Climate change poses significant threats worldwide, and Taiwan is no exception. Thus, acting quickly to ensure a sufficient water supply and protect the environment is vital.