Hualien's Landslide-Dammed Lake Faces Overflow! Rail and Road Sections Closed Preventively – Full Update Here

In response to the 'Red Alert' issued by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FNCA) for the Wanli Creek landslide-dammed lake, Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) has announced preventive suspension of train operations and closure of the New Wanli Creek Bridge starting at 11:30 PM tonight, immediately after the last train passes.

According to FNCA data, the lake is expected to reach critical water levels by 2:00 AM on July 17. TRA will initiate emergency measures two hours before potential overflow. The most critical point is that train services between Fenglin and Guangfu will be fully suspended. As road bridges in the same area are also closed, no road shuttle services will be provided, leaving this section completely isolated. The public is urged to prepare alternative travel plans in advance.

Tonight’s suspension begins at 11:30 PM! First wave of floodwaters expected to reach railway bridge within 1 hour of overflow

TRA stated that if the FNCA detects abnormal water level drops or confirms overflow has already occurred, the Hualien Branch will issue an immediate alert. The first wave of floodwaters is estimated to reach the New Wanli Creek Railway Bridge approximately one hour later. Upon receiving the alert, TRA will immediately suspend operations and close the bridge preventively.

TRA will establish its Eastern Region Emergency Task Force at 8:00 PM tonight and activate the company-level Level 1 Emergency Response Team at 10:00 PM, maintaining continuous emergency operations.

Related report: Wanli Creek landslide-dammed lake just under 1 meter from overflowing! County government urgently announces work and school suspensions in one area; red alert zones in Hualien revealed (Photo: Hualien County Government)

TRA’s 5-Point Evacuation and Diversion Plan – Full Details

Under the 'Emergency Diversion Plan for New Wanli Creek Bridge Closure,' the following arrangements will be made:

- Southbound limited express trains: Operate to Hualien Station and then return; trains originally scheduled to return at Shoufeng Station will maintain their original plans. - Northbound limited express trains: Operate to Guangfu or Ruishi Station and return; return stations may be adjusted flexibly based on route capacity. - Guangfu to Xinzuoying (via South-Link Line): Additional limited express trains may be added based on passenger demand. - Hualien to Fenglin: Additional local trains will be deployed for shuttle service. - Fenglin to Guangfu: Service suspended. As road bridges are also closed, no road shuttle service will be provided. The public is strongly advised that this section will be completely cut off.

TRA reminds passengers planning to travel tonight to confirm train schedule changes in advance and allow sufficient time for route adjustments. For inquiries, contact TRA’s Eastern Operations Office at (03) 8561602.