New Landslide-Induced Lake Forms in Taroko Gorge, Prompting Urgent Excavation

Authorities Race Against Time to Prevent Potential Flood Disaster in Taiwan's Taroko National Park

Following recent flood damage from a landslide-induced lake in Guangfu Township, Hualien, another such lake has been discovered in the Taroko Gorge area. The water level of the Liwu River is rising rapidly, posing a risk of overflow and potential collapse.

In response, road authorities have urgently closed the Central Cross-Island Highway between Tianxiang and Taroko. Tourists are being advised to evacuate, and all vehicles have been cleared from the area. The Forest Bureau has dispatched excavators to the site to begin digging, and the public is being urged to avoid entering the Taroko National Park and to stay away from the Liwu Riverbed. The number of households downstream requiring protection and the volume of water in the landslide lake are still being assessed.

Chen Bao-kuang, director of the Taroko National Park Management Office's Buluowan Station, reported that at approximately 7:50 AM today, a construction contractor working on the highway noticed the rapid rise in the Liwu River's water level. This led to a joint inspection by the Forest Bureau and the National Park Administration. They discovered that a large landslide had occurred on the old road corridor outside the Jinheng Tunnel (at kilometer 175.5) of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The landslide is extensive, measuring about 100 meters in length, spanning the width of the Liwu River canyon (approximately 30 to 40 meters), and is about 20 meters deep.