Hualien Wanli Creek Barrier Lake Sees Sporadic Rockfalls, Forestry Bureau Monitoring

HUALIEN, Taiwan (CNA) -- The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's Hualien Branch has received a report of a newly formed barrier lake in the upper reaches of the Wanli Creek. An aerial survey conducted today revealed a collapse area of approximately 45 hectares. The lake water has not yet filled and overflowed, and no obvious seepage or dam body damage was observed. However, sporadic rockfalls continue to occur, prompting continued close monitoring and vigilance.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's Hualien Branch stated that based on preliminary analysis of the first-hand aerial survey imagery, the barrier lake was formed by a large-scale collapse on the right bank of the Wanli Creek, causing debris to block the river channel. The collapse area is approximately 45 hectares. Currently, the lake water has not yet filled and overflowed, but sporadic rockfalls are continuously occurring at the site.

The Hualien Branch explained that the river valley in this section is winding with a steep longitudinal gradient, and the riverbed is densely packed with large rocks. The canyon terrain on both banks is very steep. Additionally, multiple landslides have blocked traffic along the Wanrong Forest Road, making it difficult for personnel and machinery to access the area in the short term. Helicopters are also unable to perform on-site investigations or install monitoring equipment via rappelling.

The Hualien Branch pointed out that this barrier lake is located approximately 30 kilometers upstream from the Wanli Creek Bridge on Provincial Highway 9. Preliminary visual estimates from the aerial survey suggest a maximum storage capacity of up to 6 million cubic meters. However, this figure awaits more precise estimation after the Aerial Survey and Remote Sensing Office completes the modeling of aerial topographic imagery.

If the water continues to accumulate and overflow, it could affect downstream settlements in Wanrong Village, Ruisui Township, as well as Senrong Village, Changqiao Village, and Fengxin Village in Fenglin Township. The railway bridge of the Taiwan Railways Administration, the Wanli Creek Bridge on Provincial Highway 9, the Xibao Bridge on County Highway Hualien 24, and related flood control facilities could also be impacted.

The Hualien Branch emphasized that the current assessment of water storage and obstruction is based on preliminary visual observations from the aerial survey. Further analysis of the dam body structure, water storage capacity, and potential risks will be conducted after the Aerial Survey and Remote Sensing Office completes the production of the latest digital terrain data.

Concurrently, continuous close monitoring of downstream water level changes will be conducted through inter-agency platforms. Real-time notifications will be sent to disaster response units at all levels, as well as the Hualien County Government, Wanrong Township Office, and Fenglin Township Office. The latest monitoring results will be announced to the public in a timely manner, urging the public to avoid activities in the Wanli Creek bed and surrounding river channels in the near future and to stay informed of official disaster prevention information. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 06/22/115

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