KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — Eleven Australian firefighters visiting Taiwan joined typhoon preparedness efforts on Thursday (Oct. 31). Originally scheduled to meet fans near the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts (高雄美術館), they shifted plans to assist in clearing drainage ditches as Typhoon Kong-rey approached, gaining hands-on experience in trench digging and debris removal.
After their work in Kaohsiung, the firefighters plan to head to Pingtung for a charity event and a beach volleyball match with local firefighters. Kaohsiung's Environmental Protection Bureau (高雄市環保局) reported that by 8 a.m. Thursday, local cleaning teams had deployed 511 personnel and 77 vehicles. They cleared 5,230 roadside drainage outlets and 3,578 maintenance hole covers, removing approximately 81.31 metric tons of waste.
The bureau urged residents to inspect their surroundings and help clear debris from maintenance hole covers to ensure proper drainage and public safety. The bureau also announced the suspension of garbage collection on Thursday to prioritize safety, and services will resume on Friday morning.