In October 1998, Zeb and Babs typhoons caused serious floods in Sijhih area. In November 2000, Xangsane typhoon caused more serious floods in Keelung, Rueifang, Sijhih and Neihu, with death of 64 people, 65 injured, and 25 missing; the loss of agriculture, fishery and people’s livelihood materials were beyond estimation, and the disasters unprecedented. The central government took on the “Keelung River Overall Improvement,?urgently seeking effective flood mitigation plans.
In September 2001, Nari typhoon caused grave disasters in Taiwan, especially the Keelong River bank areas experienced unprecedented catastrophes, Taipei rapid transit systems were flooded, pumping stations were submerged, earth-flow wreaked havoc, and depression areas were inundated. The serious flood areas in Taipei County include: Jhih-huei village and Jiangbei village near Sijhih city, Baifu village, Dunan village and Dubei village near Wudu, Chang-an village and Baochang village near downstream Baochangkeng River banks, and Ciaodong village by downstream Ciedong River, etc. Picture (a) and (b) show the flood areas of Xangsane typhoon and Nari typhoon respectively.
Speedy urbanization in the past years caused dense population, which caused great changes to the hydrology, water geography and civilization of the Keelung River basin. Each year during summer and fall, the invasions of typhoons, floods and torrential rains cause huge calamities. Flood mitigation is major governing measures of the government.