Hualien Levees Undergoing Crucial Repairs and Height Increase After Devastating Storm

Emergency efforts focus on reinforcing flood defenses and ensuring community safety in Taiwan's Hualien County.

Following a recent severe storm that led to significant flooding and loss of life, urgent repair and reinforcement work is underway on the levees in Hualien County, Taiwan. The Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC) has announced that damaged sections of the levees along Matai'an Creek, which were originally 3 meters high, are being strengthened with a robust three-layer protection system. This initial phase of repairs is anticipated to be completed by Saturday.

Beyond the immediate repairs, a comprehensive plan is in motion to raise the height of these critical flood defenses to 5 meters. This substantial increase is expected to be finalized by October 11th, significantly enhancing the region's resilience against future extreme weather events.

The severe flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall from Typhoon Ragasa on September 23rd. This led to an overflow of a barrier lake on Matai'an Creek, resulting in damage to approximately 2,860 meters of levees and causing widespread flooding across the townships of Guangfu, Wanrong, and Fenglin.

A recent drone survey of the barrier lake has indicated no immediate abnormalities. However, due to the accumulation of sediment in the downstream river, a red alert remains in effect for the affected area, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance.

The Matai'an Creek barrier lake currently spans 12.6 hectares and holds an estimated 5.9 million cubic meters of water. This volume represents about 6.4 percent of its capacity prior to the overflow incident.

To further monitor the situation and provide early warnings, personnel have been deployed to the barrier lake. With assistance from the National Air Service Corps, underwater topography sensors are being installed. Warnings will be issued if rainfall exceeds 100 millimeters within a 24-hour period or if earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher are detected.

As of the latest reports, 264 individuals are currently residing in shelters across five locations, including 184 people at Dajin Elementary School. Fortunately, no outbreaks of illness have been reported among those displaced.

The devastating flooding resulted in a tragic loss of life, with 18 fatalities confirmed. Additionally, 157 individuals sustained injuries, and six people remain unaccounted for.