Hualien's Wanli River landslide lake to overflow; full evacuation underway with military support

TAIPEI, June 25 (CNA) -- A newly formed landslide lake upstream of Hualien's Wanli River is at risk of overflowing within 48 hours. According to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Hualien County Government has initiated a full-scale evacuation and has contacted the military's disaster relief liaison officer to request 12 personnel to assist with logistics and large-scale evacuations. Premier Cho Jung-tai has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to continue monitoring the landslide lake and downstream river conditions, providing information to all relevant units for disaster prevention and response.

A new landslide lake was recently discovered upstream of Hualien's Wanli River. According to the latest data, there is a risk of overflow within two days. The Ministry of Agriculture reported on the monitoring and handling of the landslide lake at a cabinet meeting today. The Ministry of Agriculture stated that the Wanli River landslide lake is believed to be caused by a large-scale landslide, with an estimated collapse area of 45 hectares and a water storage capacity of 780,000 metric tons. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has established an emergency response team for the Wanli River landslide lake and has held three meetings.

The Ministry of Agriculture indicated that in preparation for the evacuation, the military's disaster relief liaison officer has been contacted in advance to request 12 personnel to assist with logistics and large-scale evacuations. The Hualien County Government is currently carrying out a full-scale evacuation, and it is expected that the precautionary evacuation of vulnerable households will be completed this afternoon.

At a press conference after the cabinet meeting today, Government Information Office Minister Li Hui-chih relayed Premier Cho Jung-tai's instructions. Cho instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to continue monitoring the landslide lake and downstream river conditions, providing information to all relevant units for disaster prevention and response. He also asked the responsible central and local authorities to proactively plan necessary measures, such as evacuation plans, dike protection, and river dredging preparation.

In addition to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Li Hui-chih stated that Executive Yuan Advisor Li Meng-yen has already traveled to Hualien today, and Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng will go to Hualien tomorrow to assist with the evacuation plan. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 0625

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