Landslide at Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area in Taiwan Causes Closure and Evacuation

Heavy rainfall triggers landslide, trapping visitors and staff; repairs underway.

A landslide at the entrance of the Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area in Taiwan on the afternoon of July 20th, caused by heavy rainfall, led to the blockage of roads and stranded over a hundred visitors and staff. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (林保署, Linbao Shu) immediately mobilized resources for repair efforts.

The landslide occurred at the entrance of the recreation area, disrupting access and trapping approximately 50 tourists, around 30 vehicles, and nearly a hundred staff members. The stranded individuals were accommodated at the visitor center while awaiting road clearance.

After rapid intervention by the 林保署 (Linbao Shu), the road was cleared for single-lane traffic by 18:45, allowing vehicles and people to begin departing from the area safely. According to the 林保署台中分署 (Linbao Shu Taichung Division), the recreation area will remain closed for repairs over the weekend. They urge visitors to avoid the area while the situation is addressed.

The 林保署台中分署 (Linbao Shu Taichung Division) secretary 吳貞純 (Wu Zhenchun) confirmed that the landslide was reported at 13:30. Repair crews were dispatched immediately. Two heavy excavators were deployed to clear the debris. The single-lane road was reopened by 18:45.