[Kaohsiung News] With the rainy season approaching, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai presided over a municipal administrative meeting on April 22, where the Water Resources and Environmental Protection Bureaus presented a joint report on flood preparedness. Mayor Chen emphasized the need for all relevant departments and agencies to meet desilting targets on schedule, intensify inspections of flood-prone areas, and ensure sufficient fuel reserves and standby personnel at all pumping stations to safeguard public safety and property.
The Water Resources Bureau noted that surveillance and early warning systems have been enhanced in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Drainage system desilting efforts are ongoing, with all critical sections scheduled to be cleared before the rainy season. Flood mitigation infrastructure, including pumping stations and detention basins, has undergone thorough inspection and maintenance. Following the impact of Typhoons Gaemi and Krathon last year, high-tech promptly assessed and implemented various improvement projects to enhance flood protection standards. These included the 620-meter retaining wall reconstruction along Gushan 3rd Road in Gushan District, the floodwall along Minzu Road at Baozhu Ditch in Sanmin District, embankment reinforcement for the Baimi and Liucuo detention basins in Gangshan District, riverbank reinforcements from Changrun Bridge to Qiaozitou Bridge along Dianbao River, riverbank reinforcements from the Daliao drainage confluence to Lintou Bridge, and the heightening of the Caogong New Canal embankment in Renwu District.
In addition, to strengthen flood defenses along Mingcheng Road in Sanmin District, the Jinshi (Golden Lion) Lake sluice gates are being upgraded, raising the overflow elevation by 67 centimeters and increasing water storage capacity by 78,000 tons, effectively alleviating downstream flooding during heavy rains. According to the Environmental Protection Bureau, gutter clearing and inspections are scheduled to be completed along 190 identified flood-prone road sections before the rainy season. Field teams are also tasked with cleaning storm drains and removing debris and fallen leaves. During heavy rainfall, emergency response teams will be on standby for immediate dispatch. The city’s flood response resources consist of 831 personnel, 1,234 city-owned utility vehicles, and 302 contracted vehicles.
Regarding the passing of Pope Francis on the 21st, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai expressed his condolences on behalf of all Kaohsiung citizens during a media interview held prior to the meeting. Mayor Chen stated that Pope Francis had always shown warm respect and support for pluralistic values, and deep compassion for the underprivileged. Taiwan and the Holy See have long maintained strong diplomatic ties, and the Pope’s passing is met with heartfelt sorrow and remembrance.
Caption 1-2: Mayor Chen Chi-mai listens to briefings from the Water Resources Bureau and the Environmental Protection Bureau on flood preparedness measures, urging all departments and agencies involved to meet dredging targets and strengthen inspections of flood-prone areas ahead of the rainy season.
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