A recent frontal system has brought heavy rain to Taiwan, resulting in an estimated total of 1.2 billion tons of water benefitting reservoirs across the island. The Ministry of Economic Affairs Water Resources Agency stated that this wave of rainfall is crucial as it not only replenishes the reservoir catchment areas but also aids in irrigation for the first phase of rice cultivation, reducing the risk of drought in the dry season. Monitoring the upcoming plum rain season will be a top priority.
According to statistics from the Taiwan Water Resources Agency, from 7 am on April 22nd to 3 pm on the 26th, the central region’s reservoirs received the most significant benefits, with an estimated total of 74 million tons of water. North region reservoirs such as the Feitsui Reservoir, Shimen Reservoir, Baoshan Reservoir, and Ba’er Reservoir collectively accumulated 39.4 million tons, while the southern region reservoirs saw an inflow of 11.7 million tons.
The Water Resources Agency of Taiwan stated that based on the forecasts from the Meteorological Agency, the frontal system is expected to linger near Taiwan in the coming week, leading to localized showers, thunderstorms, and short periods of heavy rainfall. Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Meihua visited the Disaster Response Center of the Water Resources Agency on the 25th to assess the flood prevention measures in response to the frontal system at that time.
Wang emphasized the importance of water resources for both industries and agriculture. Managing reservoirs should involve discussions with agricultural authorities to ensure the most effective use of water resources. Prompt communication with local governments is crucial to identify areas needing reinforcement and repairs to minimize damages caused by sudden heavy rainfall. The current spring rains have been beneficial for most crops, as seen in the significant mango harvest last year in Tainan City during a severe drought, highlighting the importance of water resources.
Regarding water resource management, Wang stressed the increasing importance of these fundamental tasks and expressed expectations for the Water Resources Agency to continue promoting industrial development, water distribution, and infrastructure construction. Wang acknowledged the significant challenge of climate change and the crucial role water management professionals play in Taiwan.
According to reports from the Central News Agency, Deputy Director of the Water Resources Agency Wang Yifeng stated on the 26th that this concentrated rainfall in the central region benefitted reservoirs in Miaoli and Taichung. Key reservoirs supplying water to the central region, such as Liyu Tan Reservoir with an inflow of approximately 19 million tons, and Daci Reservoir with 16 million tons, as well as Sun Moon Lake and Wushih Reservoirs combining for 24 million tons. Northern reservoirs including Shimen and Feitsui each received over 10 million tons of water.
Wang emphasized the critical importance of this rainfall, as it not only replenishes reservoirs but also significantly reduces the need for water supply from reservoirs for the irrigation of rice crops. In the southern region, Wang noted that rainfall was concentrated along the coast and plains, while mountainous areas are expected to contribute to the flow of the Gaoping River. Efforts will focus on utilizing river flow to fill the Nanhu Reservoir in the coming days, with the current storage capacity of the Zengwen, Nanhu, and Wushantou Reservoirs in Tainan nearing 2.5 billion tons. Overall, the risk of drought in Taiwan has decreased, but with rice crops entering the crucial heading stage, water demand is expected to rise, necessitating close monitoring of the plum rain conditions in May in coordination with the Central Weather Bureau to be fully prepared.