Qingming Heavy Rain Forms Barrier Lake Upstream of Hehuan Creek, Forestry Bureau Urges Public Not to Enter Creek Bed

The Taichung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, in coordination with the Taroko National Park Headquarters, is enhancing public awareness. They remind everyone that the trail to Hehuan West Peak towards Hehuan Creek is temporarily closed. Hikers are advised to return via the original Hehuan West Peak trail and not proceed further.

The Taichung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency announced today that due to heavy rainfall during the Qingming holiday, a landslide occurred in Forest Management District No. 82 (approximately 3.5 km mark of the Hehuan Creek trail) within their jurisdiction, forming a new barrier lake. An emergency response mechanism has been activated, and the public is urged not to enter the hazardous area.

The Taichung Branch stated that their team visited the site yesterday morning at 10 AM for an assessment. Due to ongoing rainfall and fog, and the risk of falling rocks, a full aerial survey was not possible; only partial aerial photography of the dam body was conducted.

The Taichung Branch's preliminary assessment indicates that within the approximately 14 km range from the collapse site downstream to Mulan Bridge, there are no immediate risks to residents or cultivated land along both banks of Hehuan Creek. Furthermore, the cultivated areas near Huagang are at higher elevations and currently pose no immediate safety concerns. However, local residents are still urged not to enter the Hehuan Creek bed.

The Taichung Branch mentioned that they will conduct further aerial photography as weather permits to obtain complete information for hazard analysis and necessary measures. They will also dispatch contractors to the site based on the situation to assess and implement appropriate excavation measures to mitigate the potential risks of the barrier lake. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150408