Although two weather fronts brought rain to Taiwan in the past week, the water crisis remains a threat to the island. The Central Weather Bureau estimates that drought conditions will remain in place until late May, when the seasonal “plum rain” brings reservoir levels back to healthy volumes.

This year’s severe drought is a direct result of extreme weather and climate change. Last year, no typhoons made landfall on Taiwan, and precipitation across the country was at a 56-year low. Religious rain ceremonies, which have not been seen in years, are taking place all over Taiwan.

Taiwan’s last drought occurred in 2015, the country’s reservoir levels dipped below 50% due to a lack of rain and forced the government to begin rationing water in April. But compared to 2015, this year's conditions are far more severe. This year to date, Taiwan has received less than 800mm of rain, causing Taiwan’s reservoir levels to drop down to 25%, the lowest in a decade.