Natural Overflow Begins at Landslide-Dammed Lake in Zhushan, Nantou; One Downstream Household on Evacuation Alert

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Che-hao, Nantou, June 15) Recent rainfall has triggered a slope collapse along Jiazuoliao Creek in Zhushan Township, blocking the river channel and forming a landslide-dammed lake. According to an on-site assessment by the Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency, the reservoir holds approximately 100,000 metric tons of water. Nantou County authorities report that natural overflow has begun, carving out a waterway, but upstream areas continue to retain water due to sediment accumulation in the riverbed.

The Nantou Branch of the Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture issued a press release yesterday stating that due to the 'June 8 heavy rainfall,' a slope failure occurred upstream of the Ruilong Waterfall Park area in Jiazuoliao Creek (a tributary of Qingshui Creek) in Zhushan Township, Nantou County. On June 13, local residents reported the blockage caused by sediment buildup, prompting immediate notification to the Nantou County Government. The Agency, together with relevant agencies, conducted an on-site inspection and preliminary risk assessment to understand the situation and potential impact zones.

According to today's monitoring data from the Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency's website, the water level of the landslide-dammed lake in Jiazuoliao Creek, Zhushan Township, has remained stable with no significant changes.

The Nantou County Government explained in a written statement that upon learning of the river blockage, the county's fire department immediately established an emergency response team. Based on evaluations by experts from the Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency's Nantou Branch and the county's professional team, the landslide covers approximately 1.2 hectares with around 50,000 cubic meters of accumulated soil, forming the dammed lake. Natural overflow has started and a water channel has been eroded, but due to continued sediment deposition in the river channel, water remains stored upstream, estimated at about 100,000 metric tons.

The county government estimates that if the dammed lake were to breach suddenly, downstream water levels could rise by approximately 70 centimeters. The water would flow downstream along Jiazuoliao Creek, passing Ruilong Suspension Bridge. Affected areas include Ruilong Waterfall Park and one household in Ruizhu Village. The county's Civil Affairs Department has instructed the local village chief to notify residents to prepare for evacuation if necessary. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150615