Southern Taiwan Floods Kill 4, Evacuate Nearly 6,000

Southern Taiwan has experienced an unprecedented week of rainfall exceeding the region's annual average, resulting in widespread flooding and landslides that have claimed four lives and injured 77 people. More than 5,900 residents have been evacuated, with over 2,000 still displaced, particularly in the mountainous areas of Kaohsiung and Pingtung counties, where rescue teams are working to restore access and deliver aid. The extreme weather is linked to a depression and strong southwesterly airstreams following Typhoon Danas, which had already caused significant damage, including knocking down over 3,000 electric poles. Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai visited affected communities in Tainan and announced plans for a special government budget to support relief and recovery efforts. Officials have warned residents to avoid mountainous regions due to ongoing risks, although rainfall is expected to subside soon. This event marks one of the largest evacuations in the past decade for the area, severely impacting critical agricultural zones and infrastructure.