TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Continuous rainfall prompted the Central Emergency Operations Center to issue 77 “red alerts” for potential landslides on Wednesday across Taipei, New Taipei, and Yilan County.
A northeasterly monsoon and sustained low-pressure system were responsible for the heavy rain, which also triggered a first-level flood alert for the Xindian River. Flood warnings were issued for coastal, estuary, and low-lying areas in Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan County, per CNA.
The CEOC warned that slopes remain vulnerable in mountainous areas of Taipei, Keelung, Yilan County, Taoyuan, Hualien County, and Hsinchu County.
At a disaster response meeting chaired by Deputy Interior Minister Dong Jian-hong (董建宏), officials reported that the Yuanshanzih Flood Diversion Channel in New Taipei’s Ruifang District was working to lower water levels. Dong said that fluctuations in water levels required continuous monitoring.
Dong also provided an update on conditions elsewhere in Taiwan, such as the barrier lake upstream of Mataian Creek, noting water levels have remained stable with minimal fluctuations in recent days. The probability of another dam breach was low, and a red alert was lifted at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
An overflow from a smaller barrier lake submerged an access road and bridge culvert crossing the Mataian Creek a day earlier, but normal traffic resumed at noon Wednesday. The current speed limit is 30 kph, and articulated trucks remain prohibited.
Regarding Taroko Gorge’s Swallow Grotto barrier lake on the Liwu River, monitoring results showed no significant changes. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has completed the bidding process for phased dam excavation, with work scheduled to begin on Thursday.
The CEOC said that as of Wednesday, 3,046 people had been evacuated from Taipei, Taoyuan, Yilan County, Hsinchu County, Hualien County, and Keelung. Most evacuees sought shelter with relatives.
As of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, 873 residents affected by the barrier lake on the Liwu River had been evacuated. Of these, 156 were provided with temporary accommodations, while 717 stayed with relatives.
