Landslide in Nantou's Jiazhuliao Creek Forms Barrier Lake with Estimated 100,000 Tons of Water

Central News Agency Report

(Central News Agency reporter Hsiao Po-yang, Nantou County, June 14) Due to recent rainfall, a landslide along the bank of Jiazhuliao Creek in Zhushan Township has blocked the river channel, forming a barrier lake. The Rural Development and Water Conservation Agency estimates the water volume at approximately 100,000 metric tons. If the lake breaches, downstream water levels could rise by about 70 centimeters. Currently, there are no protected households along the downstream riverbank, so the overall direct impact is limited.

The Nantou Branch of the Agriculture and Rural Development and Water Conservation Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture issued a press release early this morning, stating that due to the 'June 8 torrential rains,' a slope collapse occurred upstream of the Ruilong Waterfall Park area in Jiazhuliao Creek (a tributary of Qingshui Creek) in Zhushan Township, Nantou County. On the 13th, local residents noticed the river channel blocked by accumulated soil and rock, forming a barrier lake, and reported it to the Nantou County Government. The Rural Water Conservation Agency, upon notification, coordinated with relevant agencies to complete an on-site inspection and preliminary risk assessment to understand the situation and potential impact areas.

The Nantou Branch stated that the landslide area covers approximately 1.2 hectares, with about 50,000 cubic meters of soil and debris accumulating to form the barrier lake. Natural overflow has already begun, carving out a water channel. However, due to continued sediment blockage, water continues to accumulate upstream, with an estimated storage volume of about 100,000 metric tons.

The agency preliminarily assessed that the collapsed slope has reached bedrock, indicating a lower risk of further large-scale landslides. If the barrier lake were to breach completely at once, downstream water levels are estimated to rise by about 70 centimeters. Currently, there are no protected households along the downstream riverbank. Additionally, Ruilong Suspension Bridge, located about 1 kilometer downstream, is positioned far above the potential water rise level, so it is expected to have no direct impact on the bridge or surrounding facilities.

Considering that water is still accumulating, the agency has activated a monitoring mechanism to track changes in the barrier lake and river conditions, maintaining close communication with local authorities to implement necessary emergency measures as needed. The public is reminded not to enter the Jiazhuliao Creek riverbed or surrounding areas for fishing, swimming, or river trekking recently, to avoid dangers caused by sudden water level changes and to ensure personal safety. (Edited by Tsai Chia-min) 1150614