TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Emergency evacuations began Tuesday (Oct. 21) after a massive landslide created a dangerous barrier lake threatening downstream communities in Hualien County's eastern Taiwan. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's (林業及自然保育署) Hualien Branch discovered the 40-meter-high dam blocking Matai'an Creek (馬太鞍溪) during aerial surveys at 8:30 a.m. Officials warned the barrier lake could overflow within 24 hours if rainfall continues.
Initial assessments estimate the natural dam stands 40 meters (131 feet) high, currently containing 100,000 tons of water that could swell to 600,000 tons. Hydrological simulations indicate a catastrophic breach within 30 minutes of reaching capacity would generate peak flows of 670 cubic meters per second. Water levels at the Matai'an Creek bridge could rise approximately 70 centimeters (28 inches) during such flooding.
The primary impact zone encompasses low-lying areas behind the "Dama Levee" (大馬堤防), with no immediate threat to other regions. The Hualien Branch activated emergency response procedures, notifying relevant agencies for monitoring and preparedness measures. Officials ordered the Water Resources Agency's Ninth River Management Branch (水利署第九河川分署) to evacuate workers from downstream construction sites.
The Highway Bureau (公路局) received orders to monitor bridge safety and implement traffic controls as conditions warrant. Local authorities, including Hualien County government, Guangfu Township (光復鄉) Office, and Dama Village (大馬村) leaders, coordinate preventive evacuations of residents from vulnerable low-lying areas. These coordinated emergency measures aim to protect communities from potential catastrophic flooding behind the Dama Levee. ◼
