Staff writer, with CNA
Torrential rain battered Taiwan for a second day yesterday and caused widespread flooding nationwide that led to at least two deaths as rising waters stranded residents and prompted emergency rescues.Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) yesterday morning directed the Ministry of Economic Affairs to aid local governments with pumps to clear inundated areas.The heavy rain was brought by Tropical Storm Mekkhala as it moved northward east of Taiwan, strengthening southwesterly winds and an approaching weather front from southern China, the Central Weather Administration said.
Tainan firefighters deploy inflatable boats to evacuate elderly residents in Rende District yesterday after heavy rain triggered severe flooding.
As of press time last night, the severe flooding had killed two people.Kaohsiung police said a 73-year-old woman surnamed Huang (黃) reportedly tripped and fell into a drainage ditch while walking with her husband at 5pm on Thursday and was swept away by floodwaters.
Her body was found downstream at 6:45pm.
