Tai O seeks long-term fix for recurring typhoon floods

As storm surges from Typhoon Ragasa once again inundated the inner streets of Tai O, the Rural Committee indicated that the area's complex terrain poses a significant challenge to effective flood prevention measures.

Speaking on a radio program on Thursday (Sep 25), Tai O Rural Committee chairman Ho Siu-kei reported that recovery efforts are underway, with various government departments and social welfare organizations assisting.

Ho added that personnel will also aid residents in repositioning their furniture after the flooding and help elderly individuals currently housed in temporary shelters return to their homes.

He underscored that the complexity of Tai O's terrain poses significant obstacles to the effective containment of storm surges. Ho plans to communicate with the government in pursuit of long-term solutions.

Noting that the damage sustained during Ragasa was less severe than that incurred during Typhoon Mangkhut or Hato, Ho said the peak flooding water level reached 3.8 meters above chart datum in Tai O during Mangkhut, while Ragasa peaked at approximately 3.5 meters.

Before the storm's impact, Ho highlighted that the government had supplied residents with flood barriers and sandbags and had arranged for the evacuation of those who required assistance.