Drought-stricken Taiwan

TAIWAN usually receives plenty of rain at different times in the year, more especially during monsoon season in summer and autumn. This is when strong winds blow heavy rains in from the ocean.

Typhoons, which are storms that develop in the sea and travel towards the land, can be dangerous but also bring much-needed rain to the region.

In the past year the country has had very little rainfall and has experienced just one typhoon. This has left the Asian island nation, close to China and Japan, struggling with its worst drought in 56 years.

Mountainous areas that usually have lakes and flowing rivers are running dry, and some of the remaining water reservoirs are as low as 10% and 20% of their capacities. Farmers have been struggling with their crops and businesses like hair salons and car washes have also been hit hard.

Taiwan’s drought is believed to have had an effect on electronics around the world. The country is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electronic chips which are exported and used in computers, smartphones, cars and even ventilators in hospitals. Electronic chips represent a big part of its economy.

The drought has forced the government to stop many farmers from growing crops, as it has chosen to support chipmakers instead. Water is important in the production process of electronic chips.

The government has also turned off the taps in big cities and municipalities such as Taichung City for a few days of each week. Some people have also resorted to storing water in their bathtubs.

Experts have been called in to drill deep wells to access water stored beneath Earth’s surface in rocks and soil. Water is also being recycled to alleviate the shortage.