Heavy rain in late August has damaged crops across Tainan, and farmers there can now apply for cash relief and cheap loans — a modest cushion for growers facing losses.

• Watermelon, cantaloupe, and asparagus fields were flooded or washed out by days of rain.
• Early damage estimates run near NT$7 million, and could climb if the rain keeps up.
• Every farm product type is covered by the relief this time, with applications open until September 7.
• Only farmers with losses of 20% or more qualify for cash payments.
• Low-interest disaster loans are also available at about 1.4% a year, through local district offices.

Outlook: Losses will likely grow if unstable weather continues, so farmers are being urged to report damage quickly.