Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency: Wulixi Landslide Dam Could Overtop as Early as the 17th

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, April 16) The Central Disaster Response Center issued a red alert this afternoon for the landslide dam on Wulixi River in Hualien, Hualien County. The Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture stated that, based on rainfall forecasts and lake water level monitoring, the dam lake is expected to overtop as early as tomorrow.

According to the latest monitoring data released by the agency at 1:00 PM today, the estimated water storage in the Wulixi landslide dam lake is currently 4.9604 million cubic meters, occupying 97.26% of its total capacity of 5.1 million cubic meters. The water level is only 0.86 meters below the critical level at which overtopping could occur.

The agency stated that, based on integrated analysis of rainfall forecasts from the Central Weather Administration and lake water levels, overtopping of the Wulixi landslide dam lake is expected as early as tomorrow.

The Central Disaster Response Center held an intelligence assessment meeting and work briefing this afternoon on the Wulixi landslide dam. During the meeting, the Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency, using meteorological forecasts, drone aerial imagery, water level sensors, and expert team analysis, estimated that the water level would reach the critical elevation by 2:00 AM tomorrow. Considering that evacuation operations are unsuitable during the early morning hours, the red alert was issued in advance at 3:00 PM today.

The Hualien County Government, Fenglin Township Office, and Wanrong Township Office have immediately initiated mandatory evacuation procedures for all individuals within the affected areas.

The Central Disaster Response Center stated that disaster prevention teams anticipate the landslide dam will be damaged through overtopping, but the extent of damage will depend on multiple uncertain factors, including dam structure, sediment accumulation patterns, river morphology, mountain hydrology, and terrain, making precise predictions impossible.

Commander Chi Lien-cheng stated that the highest-level disaster prevention measures must be implemented. He instructed that upon issuing the red alert, the Ministry of Agriculture activate the CBS disaster alert cell broadcast system, while also notifying the Civil Defense Control Center to simultaneously issue landslide dam warnings via village announcements, police and fire vehicle loudspeakers, and other alert mechanisms. The public is being repeatedly informed about disaster preparedness, the reasons for the alert, and sternly warned not to return to the alert zone. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150716