TAINAN (TVBS News) — Typhoon Danas wreaked havoc in Taiwan's Beimen District (北門區) on Sunday (July 6), toppling the iconic archway of Nankunshen Daitian Temple (南鯤鯓代天府) and flooding the temple courtyard. The storm, which landed near Budai Township (布袋) in Chiayi County around 11:40 p.m., brought fierce winds and torrential rain to the region.
The 40-year-old archway collapsed under the force of the typhoon's winds, leaving its pillars submerged in water. Locals expressed disbelief at the destruction of this long-standing structure. The storm also caused trees to fall, snapped signs in half, and overturned shipping containers throughout Tainan.
Tainan's Bureau of Civil Affairs (台南民政局) Director-general Chiang Lin-huang (姜淋煌) assured the public that the local Water Resources Bureau swiftly deployed mobile pumps to drain the water, ensuring the temple's incense-offering activities could continue without interruption.
The city government and district office have committed to expediting street repairs and restoration efforts, ensuring the safety of temple staff and the broader community. As recovery operations progress, residents remain hopeful for a swift return to normalcy.