Hualien Wanli River Barrier Lake: Extreme Scenario Forecasts 30cm Flooding; Evacuation Routes Planned for One Village and Three Neighborhoods

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) Hualien Branch has identified a newly formed barrier lake in the upper reaches of the Wanli River. Based on an extreme scenario involving 6 million cubic meters of water, simulations indicate a potential overflow of approximately 30 centimeters. Affected areas include the Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park, Wanrong Village in Wanrong Township, and the Fengxin, Changqiao, and Shanxing neighborhoods of Fenglin Township. Authorities are currently surveying households and establishing evacuation routes.

Huang Chun-tse, head of the Hualien Branch, held an emergency response meeting to address the situation. Although the barrier's height is 108 meters with a full capacity of 4.2 million cubic meters, the agency utilized a 6 million cubic meter model combined with 50-year extreme climate data for testing. Results suggest that most water will remain within the channel, with only minor overflow at specific weak points.

The Hualien County government and local township offices have initiated preparedness measures, including safety assessments for bridges and railways. The Water Resources Agency is also reinforcing levees. Due to challenges in monitoring the remote terrain with drones or traditional gauges, the agency is working to develop a feasible alert threshold system. Local governments in Fenglin and Wanrong have activated disaster response centers to organize logistics, personnel, and emergency shelters.