TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Nantou’s Sun Moon Lake is adjusting pier access after water levels fell below 70%, reports said Thursday.
The normal water level for the lake in Yuchi Township is 748.48 meters, but it dropped to 745.38 meters, or 81.73%, on Feb. 13, per CNA. By Thursday morning, the level had slipped further to 743.39 meters, or 69.44%.
The statue of nine frogs in the lake, often used as a measure of drought, was completely above water, with only the bottom frog still covered in mud.
As water levels fell, the Tourism Administration’s Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area first deployed extra staff at the piers to help visitors navigate the steeper descent to cruise boats. It later closed piers in shallower sections of the ports and directed visitors to a bridge leading to a pier in deeper water.
With no rain expected in the area during the Lunar New Year holiday, Taiwan Power Co. predicted the water level would drop below 743 meters Friday. If current trends continue, all piers may have to be closed to ensure visitor safety, scenic area management said.
