As Typhoon Podul gradually approaches Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration has issued a land typhoon warning. It is expected to bring prolonged heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding and water accumulation in low-lying areas. The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) reminds local governments and the public to clean and dredge drainage ditches, side gutters, and stormwater sewers before the typhoon hits to ensure unimpeded drainage, reduce flooding risks, and prevent mosquito breeding, thereby lowering the risk of dengue fever transmission.

MOENV stated that water accumulation not only causes traffic and property damage but also serves as a breeding ground for vector mosquitoes (such as dengue-carrying mosquitoes). With recent high temperatures and frequent rainfall, conditions are ideal for mosquito proliferation. If stagnant water is not promptly removed, it could lead to outbreaks of dengue and other infectious diseases. The ministry urges the public to follow the four-step approach: “Inspect, Dump, Clean, Scrub.” This means: Inspect flower vases, water trays, tree holes, rain gutters, waste buckets, discarded Styrofoam, PET bottles, pots, basins, water tanks, plant saucers, plastic tarps, waste tires, and flooded basements for standing water; Dump the water out; Clean and sort out unnecessary containers; and Scrub the remaining containers thoroughly to remove mosquito eggs. Properly store or invert the items to prevent further water accumulation and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

MOENV reminds everyone that disaster prevention and epidemic prevention must go hand in hand before and after the typhoon. Pre-typhoon gutter clearing can reduce flood risks, and after the disaster, local governments should intensify inspections of flood-prone areas, as well as public spaces such as parks, school campuses, vacant lots, abandoned houses, and construction sites to prevent mosquito breeding. These efforts will help swiftly restore environmental cleanliness and reduce the risk of disease transmission.