TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mataian barrier lake in Hualien overflowed Tuesday because of flows four times higher than forecast, said Water Resources Agency General Director, Lin Yuan-peng (林元鵬).

Lin said a dammed section of the barrier lake overflowed causing sand and debris to cascade downstream. The surge destroyed a bridge, collapsed nearly 300 meters of dike along the south bank and inundated nearby urban areas.

Lin denied speculation that three open dikes had worsened the flooding. The overflow level was so high, Lin told CNA, that it would have overwhelmed defenses even without the structures.

Emergency crews deployed sandbags, cleared 400,000 cubic meters of sediment, and installed reinforced concrete blocks in an effort to stabilize the riverbanks. Despite these measures, several sections of the dike failed and damage spread to the surrounding infrastructure.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) is visiting Hualien to inspect the destroyed bridge in Guangfu Township and nearby railway facilities. He will also review recovery work, including the installation of mobile communication stations.

The flooding has raised fresh concerns about Taiwan’s vulnerability to natural disasters in mountainous river basins.