Rockfall Blocks Traffic on Road to Xitou in Nantou County; Government Continues Emergency Clearance

(Central News Agency reporter Hsiao Po-yang, Nantou County, July 14) The Yanxi Highway leading to Xitou experienced a slope collapse this morning, with massive boulders blocking two-way traffic. The Nantou County Government dispatched machinery to prioritize restoring single-lane two-way traffic and expects to clear all fallen rocks today. However, it remains uncertain whether further collapses may occur, and drivers are urged to pay attention to road conditions.

County Highway 151, Yanxi Highway, is the essential route to the popular summer resorts of Xitou and Shuilinxi. During summer, it sees heavy traffic. However, this morning, a rockfall occurred at the slope near Neihu Elementary School in Lugu Township, at approximately kilometer marker 13.2, blocking two-way passage. Tourists heading to Xitou had to turn back. The Nantou County Government's Public Works Department, responsible for road maintenance, dispatched contractors to clean up the debris. After over an hour, single-lane two-way traffic was restored.

Kuomintang Lugu Township mayor candidate Chiu Shao-wei stated that the road to Xitou was blocked by falling rocks and that the county had dispatched engineers to carry out emergency clearance. He advised drivers to detour via the Shenkeng route and cooperate with traffic control. Due to continuous rainfall in mountainous areas recently, soil and rocks have become loose. He urged the public to remain vigilant when traveling through mountain roads, watch for falling rocks and slope conditions, and avoid entering mountain areas unless necessary.

Lugu Township Residents' Representative Council Chairman and mayoral candidate Lin Chih-hung said the slope on the road from Neihu Elementary School toward Xitou had collapsed, temporarily blocking the road. He rushed to the scene immediately and assisted with traffic guidance together with Neihu Village Chief Chen Chu-neng, continuing to monitor the progress of the restoration. Single-lane passage has now been restored. For those not in a hurry, he suggested detouring via the Shenkeng direction to avoid the repair section.

The County Government's Public Works Department stated that contractors have restored single-lane two-way traffic through emergency repairs and expect to clear all fallen rocks today. Although rockfall barrier nets are installed along this section, it remains uncertain whether further massive rockfalls could block traffic again. The need for further disaster repair and reconstruction projects will be assessed subsequently. (Editor: Liang Chun-te) 1150714