How to Save Yourself from Urban Flooding During Typhoons? A Guide to Escaping City Waterlogging

Typhoon-induced heavy rain causes urban flooding, resulting in casualties every year. Learn the correct self-rescue methods for driving through water, subway flooding, and home inundation—knowledge that can save your life in critical moments.

Remember One Number: 30 Centimeters

• When water depth exceeds 30 cm (about half the length of a calf), pedestrians risk being swept away while wading.
• When water depth exceeds 30 cm, most sedans will stall and begin to float.
• When water flow speed exceeds 0.5 meters per second, water as shallow as 15 cm can knock down an adult.

If you are unsure of the water depth, do not wade through it and do not drive through it.

Driving Through Flooded Areas

• If you see flooded roads ahead, take a detour rather than risking driving through them.
• If your vehicle stalls in water: Do not restart the engine (water intake can destroy the engine, and insurance may deny the claim). If the water level rises, abandon the vehicle and escape immediately.
• If doors cannot be opened, use a safety hammer or the metal rods from the headrest to break the corner of a side window to escape.
• Remember the principle: Abandon the car to save yourself; cars can be replaced, lives cannot.

Walking Through Flooded Areas

• Stay away from whirlpools or fountain-like water surfaces—manhole covers below may have been washed away.
• Use a long stick (such as an umbrella) to probe the path, and walk close to the edges of buildings.
• Stay away from utility poles, streetlights, charging stations, and other electrified facilities. If you see bubbles on the water surface or feel a tingling sensation, retreat immediately.
• Do not enter underpasses or culverts.

Home Flooding

• Cut off power immediately: Switch off the main breaker to prevent electric leakage.
• Move valuables to higher ground and evacuate to upper floors.
• If water levels rise rapidly on lower floors, do not cling to possessions. Take your mobile phone and flotation devices (foam boxes or bundled empty plastic bottles can serve as makeshift floats) and move to higher ground.
• If trapped, call 110 or 119. Wait for rescue in easily visible locations such as balconies or windows, and wave bright-colored clothing to signal for help.

Special Reminder

During typhoons and heavy rain, avoid underground spaces: underground malls, subways, and underground garages can flood much faster than imagined. If you see water flowing into subway station entrances, evacuate to ground level immediately. For evacuation and sheltering, always follow the on-site instructions of local governments and emergency departments, as well as official notifications.