TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hualien County Government announced an emergency evacuation for low-lying communities near the entrance to Taroko National Park on Friday.
A landslide dammed a bend in the Liwu River, resulting in a barrier lake that is rapidly growing, presenting an immediate danger to people living downstream, reported CNA. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency issued an immediate evacuation order at 3:55 p.m.
The landslide occurred approximately 950 meters from the head of the Yanzikou trail, with officials speculating the rockfall happened late Thursday night. It was first reported to park officials by a road maintenance crew around 12 p.m., per CNA.
The barrier lake formed behind the dam is already more than 30 m wide. The natural dam which is approximately 50 m high, could burst at any time.
It is calculated that 2.7 million tonnes of water have collected in the barrier lake. If the dam bursts, communities downriver may be flooded within 50 minutes. Officials warned anyone downstream of the dam should stay away from the riverbank.
A disaster response center was established in Xiulin Township at 2:15 p.m. The task force is comprised of officials from the local government, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, and specialists from the Disaster Prevention Center of Yang-Ming Chao-Tung University.
Tourists were instructed to depart the national park and the county government promptly began evacuation operations for the Minle and Minyou tribal villages. Employees at Taipower East’s electrical power substation on the north bank of the river have also been instructed to vacate the area, reported UDN.
Preparations are underway for evacuees to be housed at the Yanni Dormitory and Xiulin Elementary School nearby. Public access to the Central Cross-island Highway near the Liwu River has also been restricted.
