TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Heavy rains throughout the week have severed roads in mountainous areas of Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County, prompting urgent rescue efforts. With weather conditions beginning to improve since Tuesday (Aug. 5), residents and authorities are working to clear roads and deliver aid to disaster-stricken areas.
In Pingtung County's Sandimen Township (三地門鄉), the roadbed of Pingtung Highway 6 (屏專6線) collapsed 12 meters due to torrential rains. As this is the only road to Dashe Village (大社部落), the damage has halted vehicular traffic and caused a shortage of essential supplies for residents. In response, local youths in Sandimen Township have mobilized, climbing steep cliffs using ropes to ensure the delivery of supplies to their communities.
In Kaohsiung's mountainous Namasia District (那瑪夏區), the heavy rains have also caused landslides that have trapped over 1,600 people across three villages for a week. As the weather began to clear, crews deployed excavators to urgently clear the roads, allowing supply vehicles to pass through during a half-hour opening. The City's Taoyuan District (桃源區) also organized a fleet of agricultural vehicles to deliver supplies to Namasia District, which is facing an urgent shortage of diapers and baby formula needed for local infants.
The swift and coordinated response by local authorities and community members highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of these mountain communities in the face of natural disasters. As relief efforts continue, local officials remain vigilant in monitoring weather conditions and road stability to prevent further disruptions.