Taiwan Faces Imminent Flood Threat as Landslide Creates Dangerous Barrier Lake

Urgent evacuations underway in Hualien County as a growing landslide dam on the Liwu River threatens downstream communities.

Hualien County authorities have issued an emergency evacuation order for communities situated in low-lying areas near the entrance to Taroko National Park. This critical measure comes in response to a significant landslide that has created a barrier lake on the Liwu River. The rapidly expanding lake poses an immediate and severe risk to residents living downstream.

The landslide, believed to have occurred late Thursday night, is located approximately 950 meters from the Yanzikou trail. It was initially reported to park officials by a road maintenance crew on Friday afternoon. The natural dam formed by the rockfall stands about 50 meters high, and the barrier lake behind it has already reached a width exceeding 30 meters. There is a serious concern that the dam could fail at any moment.

Estimates indicate that 2.7 million tons of water have accumulated in the barrier lake. Should the dam collapse, downstream communities could face flooding within a mere 50 minutes. Officials are strongly advising all individuals in areas downstream of the dam to remain clear of the riverbanks.

A dedicated disaster response center has been established in Xiulin Township. This task force includes representatives from the local government, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, and experts from the Disaster Prevention Center of Yang-Ming Chao-Tung University, working collaboratively to manage the crisis.

Tourists have been directed to leave Taroko National Park and Hualien County without delay. Evacuation operations have commenced for the Minle and Minyou tribal villages. Furthermore, employees at the Taipower East electrical power substation on the north bank of the river have been instructed to evacuate the premises as a precautionary measure.

Arrangements are being made to accommodate evacuees at the Yanni Dormitory and Xiulin Elementary School. Access to the Central Cross-island Highway in the vicinity of the Liwu River has been restricted to ensure public safety.