Taiwan's Roads Under Siege: "Stone Rain" Halts Traffic in Miaoli County

Dramatic dashcam footage captures a terrifying rockslide on Miaoli County's Route 62, shutting down a crucial route to a popular hot spring destination.

Miaoli, Taiwan - Intense rainfall has triggered a dangerous rockslide on Route 62 in Miaoli County, Taiwan, causing significant disruption and property damage. The incident, which occurred around midday on December 12th, involved falling rocks impacting vehicles and resulting in one minor injury.

Dashcam footage from a black sedan, the first vehicle affected, vividly illustrates the terrifying moment the "stone rain" began. Rocks of varying sizes rained down, shattering the car's windshield. A motorcycle ahead managed to swerve out of the way, narrowly avoiding being struck by the falling debris.

According to police, the rockslide occurred at approximately 12:08 PM on the 2.3-kilometer mark of Route 62, near Fuxing Village in Dahu Township. A motorcycle and a black sedan carrying four passengers were affected, though damage was minimal. A third vehicle, a white sedan, was directly hit by a large rock. One person inside sustained minor injuries and was promptly transported to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, their injuries are not life-threatening.

Authorities have identified three or four massive boulders that now litter the road. The largest boulder is approximately 4 meters in height and weighs over 10 tons, creating a hazardous situation. Preliminary assessments by the Miaoli County Government suggest the rocks originated from a mountain slope approximately 100 meters above the road. While authorities have confirmed that no one was trapped or seriously injured, the road is currently impassable, blocking the main route to the popular hot spring area of Tai'an Township.

The Miaoli County Government has engaged contracted companies to clear the debris as quickly as possible. Police are directing traffic and assisting motorists in finding alternative routes while the road remains closed.