Hualien's Natural Dam Lake Recedes Significantly, Revealing Evacuation Decision Process

Aerial Views Show Lake Water Levels Dropped by 88%, Authorities Explain Evacuation Zone Decisions

Four days after the overflow from the natural dam lake on the upper reaches of the Matian Stream in Hualien, Taiwan, the Ministry of Agriculture continues to monitor the situation closely. The water volume has significantly decreased by approximately 80 million tons from its peak, now standing at only 11 million tons. Despite this reduction, the dam structure has not yet reached full stability, and there are reports of falling rocks. While overflow is occurring, it is not expected to lead to a repeat of the severe flooding experienced on the 23rd. Authorities have also provided explanations regarding the decisions made about the evacuation zones.

Huang Qun-ce, Director of the Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, stated that continuous monitoring has been in place. An aerial survey was conducted today via helicopter. The lake, which originally held 91 million tons of water at its full capacity, now contains only 11 million tons, representing about 12% of its peak volume. The lake's surface area has also shrunk from 140 hectares to 16 hectares. Furthermore, the dam's height, initially 200 meters, has been reduced by 113 meters, leaving it at 87 meters.