Wanli Creek Landslide Dam Just 75cm from Overflow! Hualien Issues Red Alert, Reveals Preventive Closure Times for Rail and Road

On the afternoon of the 16th, the Forestry Bureau reported that the water level of the landslide-dammed lake on Wanli Creek in Hualien County has approached full capacity. As of 4:50 p.m., only 75cm remains before overflow, indicating an emergency situation. Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei immediately declared a red alert for the Wanli Creek landslide dam and initiated mandatory evacuations, requiring residents in the alert zone to leave immediately. Wanrong Village in Wanrong Township suspended work and classes from 3 p.m. on the 16th.

Mandatory Evacuation Zones Revealed! Six Villages Must Evacuate Immediately

The mandatory evacuation alert zones announced by Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei are as follows:

- Wanrong Township: Wanrong Village - Fenglin Township: Senrong Li, Changqiao Li, Shanxing Li, Fengxin Li, Darong Li

The county government urges residents within the alert zones to comply with evacuation orders immediately upon notification and not to remain in dangerous areas.

Wanrong Village Suspends Work and Classes from 3 p.m.! Lake Water Level Under Continuous Monitoring

Wanrong Village in Wanrong Township, Hualien County, officially suspended work and classes from 3 p.m. on the 16th. The Forestry Bureau continues to monitor the water level dynamics of the Wanli Creek landslide-dammed lake. For further developments, please closely follow the latest announcements from the Hualien County Government and the Forestry Bureau.

Four Bridges Under Preventive Closure! Alternative Route Guidance

Due to the red alert for the Wanli Creek landslide dam, the Hualien County Government has announced bridge control measures. Four bridges will implement preventive closure or restricted passage. The control times for each bridge are as follows:

- Provincial Highway No. 9 Wanli Creek Bridge: Single-lane passage from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed at night - Zhongxing Bridge: Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed at night - Jianying Bridge: Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed at night - Mizutan Bridge: Normal passage

The Hualien County Government reminds the public that Xibao Bridge will also implement preventive closure. For alternative routes, drivers are advised to use lateral routes (Mizutan Bridge, Highway 11A, Highway 11C) and detour via County Road 193 or Highway 11 to avoid restricted sections.

Taiwan Railways Suspends Operations from 11:30 p.m.! Xin Wanli Creek Bridge Closed, No Road Shuttle Service on Some Sections

Taiwan Railways has activated its emergency response mechanism in response to the red alert for the Wanli Creek landslide dam. The Forestry Bureau predicts the water level will reach the alert threshold at around 2 a.m. on July 17. Taiwan Railways will implement preventive suspension and close the Xin Wanli Creek Bridge from 11:30 p.m. after the last train passes, ensuring train safety.

The Taiwan Railways Eastern Region Emergency Task Force will be established at 8 p.m. today, and the company’s Level 1 Emergency Response Team will be activated at 10 p.m.

Taiwan Railways stated that if the Forestry Bureau detects abnormal water level drops or overflow, the Hualien Branch will immediately notify them. The first wave of floodwaters is expected to reach the Xin Wanli Creek Bridge approximately one hour later. Upon receiving notification, Taiwan Railways will immediately implement preventive suspension and bridge closure.

According to the 'Xin Wanli Creek Bridge Closure Transport Contingency Plan,' the response measures for each route are as follows:

- Southbound limited-stop trains: Operate to Hualien Station and return; trains scheduled to return at Shoufeng Station maintain original plans. - Northbound limited-stop trains: Operate to Guangfu Station or Ruishi Station and return, with return stations adjusted flexibly based on route capacity. - Guangfu to Xinzuoying (via South-Link Line): Additional limited-stop trains will be added based on evacuation needs. - Hualien to Fenglin section: Additional local trains will be operated for shuttle service. - Fenglin to Guangfu section: Service suspended. Due to simultaneous road bridge closures, no road shuttle service will be provided. The public is urged to pay close attention.