Evacuations Underway in Taiwan as Landslide Lake Threatens Hualien Villages

Rising waters in Taroko National Park prompt urgent safety measures for over 900 residents.

Authorities in Hualien County, Taiwan, have initiated the evacuation of over 900 residents from two villages situated downstream of the Liwu River. The urgent action comes amid concerns that a roadside barrier lake, formed by a landslide near Taroko National Park, could potentially breach its banks.

Specifically, 384 individuals from 120 households in Fushih Village and 564 individuals from 179 households in Xiulin Village, both located in Xiulin Township, have been relocated to temporary shelters, including a dormitory provided by Asia Cement Corp. and a local school.

The decision to evacuate was triggered by the escalating water level of the landslide-formed lake. This natural dam, discovered by construction workers earlier in the day, is situated near the Swallow Grotto Trail (燕子口步道) within Taroko National Park.

According to the Highway Bureau's Eastern Region Branch Office, the lake and its surrounding landslide dam are located close to the 175.5-kilometer marker of the Central Cross-Island Highway, also known as Provincial Highway No. 8, just outside the Jin Heng Tunnel.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's Hualien Office has issued a stark warning: should the barrier lake overflow, floodwaters could reach Jinwen Bridge, a key crossing near the entrance to Taroko National Park, in as little as 50 minutes.

As of late Friday afternoon, the dam was estimated to be holding approximately 270 tons of water. Experts predict this could lead to a significant rise in the riverbed's water level, potentially increasing by about 5 meters near Jinwen Bridge. Further downstream, where the riverbed widens, the rise is expected to be around 2 meters.

In response to the developing situation, Provincial Highway No. 8 will be completely closed to traffic between Taroko National Park and Tianxiang starting at 6 p.m. and will remain shut until further notice, as announced by the Highway Bureau's Eastern Region Branch Office. Officials anticipate that water could begin to spill onto the road as early as 7 p.m.