Northern Taiwan on High Alert: 77 Red Alerts Issued for Landslides Amidst Heavy Rainfall

Authorities issue urgent warnings as severe weather triggers landslide risks across multiple counties.

Authorities have issued 77 red alerts for potential landslides in New Taipei, Taipei, and Yilan County. This action comes as heavy rainfall, influenced by northeasterly winds and a low-pressure system, continues to affect northern Taiwan. The Central Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) confirmed the alerts.

New Taipei City recorded the highest number of red alerts, with 50. Additionally, 144 yellow alerts were issued across various northern regions, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Keelung, and Yilan. One red alert specifically for large-scale landslides was also issued in New Taipei, alongside two yellow alerts in Taoyuan and Hsinchu.

During a disaster response meeting, the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) reported that the Xindian River had reached its first-level flood warning. The Yuanshanzih Flood Diversion Channel in New Taipei's Ruifang District is actively managing water levels.

The NCDR has cautioned that low-lying coastal and estuary areas in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan remain susceptible to flooding. Mountainous regions in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Yilan, Taoyuan, Hualien, and Hsinchu have been identified as landslide-prone zones.

In Hualien, monitoring of the Swallow Grotto barrier lake on the Liwu River has shown no abnormalities. Authorities are planning to commence phased dam excavation on Thursday. The nearby Mataian River barrier lake has also stabilized, leading to the earlier lifting of its red alert.

As of the latest reports, a total of 3,046 individuals have been evacuated from New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Yilan, Hsinchu, Keelung, and Hualien. This includes 873 people evacuated from the Liwu River area. Of those evacuated, 156 are currently housed in shelters, while 717 are staying with relatives.

Officials emphasize the importance of continued monitoring of high-risk areas, even as rainfall intensity decreases, until the Central Weather Administration officially lifts its heavy rain warning.