Regardless of the rain yesterday, major water reservoirs are still facing a dire situation, including the Shimen Reservoir, whose water level has dropped more than 27 meters in the past six months. According to its administrative center, this is the worst drought since 2002.

The riverbed and cracked earth are clearly visible on Dashi Township's Amu Plain, and it is now possible to walk into Shimen Reservoir without getting wet.

The reservoir's water level stands at 245 meters at full capacity, compared to 217.8 meters now.

Shimen Reservoir has lost the equivalent of nine stories of water in the past six months, and the dry reservoir is beginning to attract tourists.

According to reservoir officials, the area has not experienced so severe a water shortage in almost a decade.

Residents of Chentou Mountain, which sits across from Amu Plain, usually travel to and from their homes in boats.

On Monday, the Taoyuan Fire Department had to dispatch helicopters to transport the sick to hospitals.

All four of Taiwan's major reservoirs are facing water shortages.

The water level marker at Tsengwen Reservoir is fully visible, while Liyutan Reservoir's water level is 23 meters below capacity.

At Chiayi's Lantan Reservoir, sandbanks have appeared.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs recently launched Phase 2 of water rationing measures, which will reduce water supplies by 5%.

If Phase 3 is implemented, major technology manufacturers will likely have to begin purchasing water to keep production plants operating.