Heavy rains battered Taiwan on Tuesday, with flooding reported in central and southern Taiwan. This round of plum rains gave a boost to reservoirs nationwide. On Tuesday, the economics minister eased water rationing in many parts of the island. Let’s hear from her.

Wang Mei-hua
Economics minister
The orange water alert, which limits water consumption in Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli, will be downgraded to a yellow alert, meaning the only restriction is reduced water pressure. In Chiayi and Tainan, the alert will turn green, warning of a possible water shortage. Over in Taichung, water levels at the Liyutan and Techi Reservoirs have not yet reached levels high enough to consider the drought ended. We will continue monitoring the situation closely.

Heavy or extremely heavy rain advisories are in place this evening for most of Taiwan’s cities and counties. More rain is in the forecast all the way to Friday, although the heaviest should be behind us by Thursday.