Taiwan Heavy Rain Alert: June 26 School and Work Closures Update

Taiwan’s typhoon season escalates: Heavy rain, flooding, and school closures spread across 19 counties as Typhoon Mekkhala’s outer bands batter the island

According to the Central Weather Bureau, 19 counties and cities in Taiwan have announced school and office closures today (June 26, 2026) as Typhoon Mekkhala’s outer circulation unleashes torrential rains and localized flooding. The most severe disruptions are concentrated in southern and central regions, including Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, and Hsinchu County, where emergency response teams have reported over 130 flood-related incidents. Authorities warn that rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters per hour in Hsinchu City has already triggered flash flooding in residential areas, with power outages and road closures expected to worsen.

Key verified developments as of 3:23 AM (UTC+8):

• School and office closures: Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, and Hsinchu County’s Taoxian Elementary School have fully suspended classes and operations. In Hsinchu City, schools in Zhubei City, Guishan Township, and Zhudong Township will close starting this afternoon (June 26), while Keelung Township and Xinzhuang District schools will pause operations by noon. Yuchih Township and Hsinchu City’s afternoon classes are also canceled.
• Flooding and infrastructure strain: Public Television News (PNN) reports that Hsinchu City’s rainfall has exceeded 50 millimeters in some areas, causing streets to turn into rivers and water to surge into homes. The National Fire Agency has recorded over 130 flood-related incidents, with response teams deployed to affected neighborhoods.
• Government response: The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Council has activated its Level 1 emergency response center, coordinating with local governments to monitor rainfall, evacuate at-risk residents, and restore power and water services. The Central Weather Bureau forecasts that while Mekkhala’s center remains offshore, its outer bands will continue dumping heavy rain across northern and central Taiwan through June 27.

Why the closures matter: A pattern of typhoon-induced disruptions
This round of closures follows a trend of typhoon-related school and office suspensions in Taiwan, with similar measures taken during Typhoon Soulik in 2025 and Typhoon Gaemi in 2024. According to the Ministry of Education, such disruptions have become increasingly common due to climate change-driven intensification of typhoon rainfall. In 2025 alone, typhoon-related school closures affected over 1.2 million students across 18 counties, with Hsinchu and Taichung among the hardest-hit regions.

What happens next: Rainfall outlook and evacuation advisories
The Central Weather Bureau advises that while Mekkhala’s center is not expected to make landfall, its outer circulation will persist through June 27, with accumulated rainfall potentially reaching 200–300 millimeters in southern and central Taiwan. Residents in low-lying areas, particularly in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung, are urged to monitor local alerts and prepare for possible evacuations. The bureau also warns of the risk of landslides in mountainous regions, including parts of Nantou and Chiayi counties, where rainfall thresholds have been exceeded.

Official statements and safety measures
In a press briefing this morning, Hsinchu City Mayor Lin Chia-lung emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that “the city’s drainage system is under extreme pressure, and we are working closely with the Fire Department to clear blocked drains and assist stranded residents.” The National Fire Agency has deployed additional personnel to high-risk zones, while Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) has pre-positioned repair crews to address potential power outages.

How to stay informed: Official resources
For real-time updates, residents are directed to:

• Central Weather Bureau: www.cwb.gov.tw
• National Fire Agency: www.nfa.gov.tw
• Local government emergency hotlines (numbers vary by county)

Background context: Typhoon Mekkhala’s trajectory
Typhoon Mekkhala, currently located southeast of Taiwan, is moving northwest at 15 kilometers per hour. While its core is expected to remain offshore, the bureau warns that its outer bands will continue affecting northern and central Taiwan through June 27. Historical data shows that even peripheral typhoon systems can trigger severe localized flooding, as seen during Typhoon Jebi in 2018, which caused widespread disruptions despite not making direct landfall.

Note: Figures are preliminary and subject to update as rainfall data is finalized.

Reader resources:

• Emergency contacts: Dial 119 for fire/rescue, 110 for police, or 167 for disaster relief.
• Evacuation guidance: Check local civil affairs offices or visit www.ndmcp.gov.tw for shelter locations.
• Power outage reporting: Contact Taipower at 1988 or via their app.