Zengwen Reservoir opens spillway to make room for typhoon rain
Taiwan's Zengwen Reservoir hit full capacity after heavy rain and is now releasing water, a routine but disruptive move that keeps flood risk down while putting riverbanks downstream off limits.
- The reservoir filled to its maximum level early Tuesday, and the spillway was opened to let water out.
- Another 50 million cubic meters of water is still expected to flow in from the surrounding hills.
- Water managers are clearing space ahead of Typhoon Sadel, which may bring more rain to Taiwan.
- The release also flushes built-up mud down the river and out to sea, which extends the reservoir's useful life.
- People are being warned to stay out of the riverbed and off the banks while flows are high.
Outlook: Release volumes will be adjusted day by day depending on how much rain the typhoon delivers.