Potential Dammed Lake Forms in Taiwan's Qingshui River After Typhoon Tail

Authorities urge residents to stay clear of riverbanks due to potential risks.

Following the departure of Typhoon Doksuri, its strong tail end continued to affect Taiwan's central region, bringing heavy rainfall. A section of the Qingshui River, located between Yunlin and Nantou counties, has reportedly formed a potential dammed lake, raising concerns about the risk of a breach.

The Mayor of Zhushan Township, Chen Dong-mu, has issued a strong advisory to local residents, urging them to avoid approaching or entering the Qingshui River's channel to prevent any potential dangers.

Mayor Chen highlighted that eight villages downstream – Tongtou, Ruizhu, Fuxing, Liyu, Zhongqi, Zhonghe, Dexing, and Pingding – are in the affected area. He encouraged residents to remain vigilant, watch out for changes in their surroundings, and report any unusual signs such as water becoming turbid and fast-flowing, the presence of large amounts of driftwood, or the sound of rushing debris, as these could indicate an impending dammed lake collapse.

The Zhushan Township Office has stated that it is in continuous communication with the Fourth River Management Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs to monitor the situation. Mayor Chen implored the public to stay updated with official announcements. In the event of any disaster, residents should immediately notify their village chiefs for assistance and evacuate promptly. He also cautioned against visiting the site for observation or photography to ensure personal safety.

The location of the potential dammed lake can be found at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/L58uSg2eYbdEHzAW7.

According to Wikipedia, a dammed lake, or landslide lake, is formed when a landslide (rockfall) or lava flow blocks a valley or riverbed, causing water to accumulate. These formations are typically caused by natural events like earthquakes, typhoons, or volcanic eruptions, but can also result from human activities such as blasting or excavation. Dammed lakes often form in geologically unstable areas. When the damming structure is eroded, dissolved, or collapses, it can lead to an "overflow" or a catastrophic "breach," resulting in flash floods that can cause devastating damage to downstream areas.