Heavy rain is testing Kaohsiung's flood defenses, and residents are being told to stock up now because the worst may still be days away.

• Water levels at the Shiquan flood basin dropped after the early morning high tide, so the first wave of danger has passed for now.
• Locals are being urged to shop for supplies during the break in the rain, with more than five days of heavy weather possible.
• City councilor Chang Po-yang says no ruling party can promise a flood-free city, because flood engineering is a race against the climate.
• Since Typhoon Gaemi wrecked the area two years ago, the district has added submersible pumps, tripled pumping capacity at one station, raised flood walls, and replaced old leaking drains.

Outlook: More heavy rain is expected over the coming days, so flood risk in Kaohsiung stays high even with the upgraded pumps and walls.