Home>News Center>China
       
 

Northern Taiwan hit by massive floods
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-09-11 15:33

Torrential rains have triggered massive flooding in northern Taiwan, claiming at least one life and marooning hundreds of people in their homes.


Torrential rains have triggered massive flooding in northern Taiwan September 11, claiming at least one life and marooning hundreds of people in their homes. [AP]
One man was found dead in an underground passage in northern Taoyuan County early Saturday, becoming the first casualty of the flooding that started overnight, a local fire agency official told AFP.

He added that there was no immediate report of other casualties or injuries.

In the low-lying town of Shichih, north of Taipei, water reached the first floor of many homes and forcing residents to retreat to higher ground.

Rescue workers braved downpours to evacuate people in inflatable boats to safety, but police said some 1,000 people were feared trapped in Shichih.

Authorities said heavy rain could cause further flooding from the swollen Keelung River north of Taipei.

In Taipei, people rushed to pile up sandbags around the entrances of underground rail stations and pedestrian passages.

Floods have caused disruption of business and traffic in some parts of Taipei dumping 763 millimetres (30.5 inches) of rain in the worst-hit Nankang area in 33 hours.

Minor mudslides occurred in mountain areas in Taipei and the northern Keelung city, with no damage reported.

The local weather bureau said torrential rains were likely to continue in northern, northeastern and central Taiwan and warned of mudslides in mountain regions over the weekend.


Moderate earthquake shakes eastern Taiwan

A moderate earthquake shook eastern Taiwan on Saturday, the local Weather Bureau said, but no damage or injuries were immediately reported.

The 4.4-magnitude quake was centered on the island's east coast, about 14 kilometers (8.75 miles) east of Hsilin, the weather bureau said.

Hsilin, in the sparsely populated Hualien region, lies about 140 kilometers (87.5 miles) southeast of Taipei.

Quakes frequently rattle Taiwan, but most are minor and cause little or no damage. However, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan in September 1999 killed more than 2,300 people.



 
  Today's Top News     Top China News
 

Commentary: US-Taiwan military moves lead nowhere

 

   
 

Teachers honoured for noble contribution

 

   
 

New York marking 3rd anniversary of 9/11

 

   
 

How to award a 2008 Olympic champion

 

   
 

China's imports to hit US$1 trillion by 2010

 

   
 

200 pupils poisoned by school dinner

 

   
  Northern Taiwan hit by massive floods
   
  Commentary: US-Taiwan military moves lead nowhere
   
  3000 reservists conducted exercise in Taiwan
   
  Environs of Tiananmen Square set to change
   
  Teachers can earn big bucks
   
  Agricultural tax to be phased out in 5 yrs
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
  News Talk  
  It is time to prepare for Beijing - 2008  
Advertisement