Mataian Creek Still Faces Overflow Risk with Consecutive Typhoons
Administrative officials inspected flood prevention in Hualien, planning managed overflow to protect residential areas.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 16:54
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 17:02 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 18:21 (1h 19m after Collected)
(CNA Reporter Chang Chi, Hualien, 24th) Reconstruction work following the Hualien Guangfu floods continues, with river dredging and embankment reinforcement being completed before the flood season. Executive Yuan Consultant Li Meng-yen stated today that if consecutive typhoons strike, there is still a chance of water overflowing the embankments, and plans have been made to address this.
Ministers without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng and Chen Chin-te visited the Mataian Creek bridge reconstruction and embankment projects in Guangfu Township today for inspection. Li Meng-yen added that while current dredging has restored much of the creek's flow capacity, extreme weather poses a threat. If two typhoons occur in short succession, siltation might outpace dredging, leading to overflow.
'We cannot accept overflow in residential Guangfu,' Li said. The embankments in Guangfu have been raised by 4 meters with concrete blocks and sealed with simplified concrete. The plan is for excess water to flow toward the Wanrong segment, where 450 hectares of land have been acquired by the Water Resources Agency for silt disposal. There are no residents in this area, and a second line of defense will be established to guide the water into the Hualien River.
Li explained that managed overflow is a way to 'give land back to the river' and reduce pressure. He emphasized the need for public communication to prevent panic if overflow occurs. Chi Lien-cheng noted that Hualien will conduct a large-scale evacuation drill on April 30 to prepare for the upcoming May flood season.
Ministers without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng and Chen Chin-te visited the Mataian Creek bridge reconstruction and embankment projects in Guangfu Township today for inspection. Li Meng-yen added that while current dredging has restored much of the creek's flow capacity, extreme weather poses a threat. If two typhoons occur in short succession, siltation might outpace dredging, leading to overflow.
'We cannot accept overflow in residential Guangfu,' Li said. The embankments in Guangfu have been raised by 4 meters with concrete blocks and sealed with simplified concrete. The plan is for excess water to flow toward the Wanrong segment, where 450 hectares of land have been acquired by the Water Resources Agency for silt disposal. There are no residents in this area, and a second line of defense will be established to guide the water into the Hualien River.
Li explained that managed overflow is a way to 'give land back to the river' and reduce pressure. He emphasized the need for public communication to prevent panic if overflow occurs. Chi Lien-cheng noted that Hualien will conduct a large-scale evacuation drill on April 30 to prepare for the upcoming May flood season.