Red Alert for Wanli Creek Landslide Dam! Forestry Agency Warns: Overflow Delayed, 'Latest Estimated Time' Revealed, Taiwan Railway Updates and Refund Information

The Central Disaster Response Center continued its 'Hualien County Wanli Creek Landslide Dam Situation Assessment and Work Meeting' today (18th). According to the latest monitoring data from the Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, due to increased seepage from the natural dam and reduced inflow, the estimated time for the Wanli Creek landslide dam to overflow has been delayed. The latest forecast now points to around midnight on July 20 (Monday).

As the reservoir's water level has reached the overflow alert threshold, Taiwan Railway Company urgently updated train operation and ticket refund information this morning (18th). Taiwan Railway announced that all trains across the network will operate normally until 6:00 PM today. Additionally, for passengers affected by this incident on the Hualien-Taitung line, a protective measure has been introduced: 'Full refunds with no handling fees within one year.'

The water level of the Wanli Creek landslide dam in Hualien is approaching the dam crest, maintaining a red alert status. The latest forecast indicating a delayed overflow time has been revealed, and Taiwan Railway has announced fee-free refunds for Hualien-Taitung line tickets.

The latest monitoring data provided by the Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency at 8:00 AM today shows that the Wanli Creek landslide dam is currently 1.1 meters below the dam crest:

- Landslide lake alert level: 1,086 meters - Dam crest elevation: 1,087.5 meters - Current water level: as high as 1,086.4 meters, just 1.1 meters below the crest

Huang Chun-che, Director of the Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency, stated during the meeting that to enhance water level monitoring, drones have been deployed since 6:00 AM to transmit real-time aerial photos. Observations show continuous seepage from the downstream slope of the natural dam, with increased seepage on the upstream slope. Although the lake's water level continues to rise steadily, the net inflow (inflow minus seepage) is only 1.39 CMS (cubic meters per second).

Huang explained that due to increased seepage reducing overall inflow, and with no obvious structural damage to the dam, the rate of water level rise has slowed. Therefore, the estimated time for the water to reach the crest and overflow has been delayed to the early hours of the 20th. Currently, surface erosion of the dam is ongoing, but there are no signs of internal erosion. Even if internal erosion were to occur, flood impacts downstream would likely remain confined within the river channel. Due to unstable inflow and low rainfall, the timing of a potential breach remains uncertain, and high-frequency monitoring will continue.

Commander Chi Lien-cheng of the Response Center instructed during the meeting that although the overflow time has been delayed, the red alert must remain in effect. Local governments should continue clearing drainage channels and calming evacuated residents, allowing freedom of movement under safe management, while requiring the Forestry Agency to intensify monitoring frequency.

The Hualien County Government announced that due to the 'red alert' issued for the Wanli Creek landslide dam, Wanrong Village in Wanrong Township will suspend work and classes tomorrow (18th). In Fenglin Township, households under protection in Senrong, Changqiao, Shanxing, Fengxin, and Darong Li within the alert zone will also suspend operations. The county government urges residents that the red alert remains active, and mandatory evacuations have been initiated. The public is advised not to enter alert zones, mountainous areas, or riverbeds, to follow evacuation arrangements by local offices, and to stay updated with official announcements.

Monitoring data from the Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency Hualien Branch shows the Wanli Creek landslide dam has reached nearly 97% of its total capacity. The Central Disaster Response Center issued a red alert at 3:00 PM on the 16th. The image below shows an aerial view of the Wanli Creek landslide dam. (Photo credit: Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency Hualien Branch)

Taiwan Railway's Latest Train Adjustments on July 18: Full Network Normal Until 6 PM, Rolling Updates Based on Water Conditions

In response to changes in the Wanli Creek landslide dam water level, Taiwan Railway continues to monitor based on the latest assessments from the Forestry Agency and issued updated train operation information this morning:

🚄 Train Operation Status (July 18)

- Before 6:00 PM: All trains across the network operate normally. This includes all classes of trains on the Eastern, Western, and South-Link lines, as well as branch lines and tourist trains, all maintaining regular service.

- After 6:00 PM: Train operations will be evaluated based on the latest water level changes regarding potential overflow. An additional press release is expected by 2:00 PM today.

Taiwan Railway advises passengers to check the latest operation information via the official website, nearest station, or the 24-hour passenger service hotline: (02) 2191-0096, 0800-765-888 (toll-free, not accessible from mobile phones) before departure.

Passenger Protection! Hualien-Taitung Line Tickets Qualify for Full Refund Within One Year with No Fees Under 'This Condition'

To protect passenger rights, Taiwan Railway has announced a special refund and exchange policy in response to the Wanli Creek landslide dam incident:

- Eligible passengers and routes: Tickets with origin and destination stations within the Hualien to Taitung沿线 section.

- Date restrictions: Travel dates between July 16 and July 18, with refund applications submitted on or after July 16, 2024.

- Refund benefit: Full refunds with no handling fees will be granted for tickets applied under this special program within one year from the application date.

Taiwan Railway added that for passengers applying refunds via the website or app, handling fees will be automatically refunded by Taiwan Railway to the original credit card account. Additionally, if travel plans are disrupted due to this landslide dam event, associated tickets linked to the Hualien-Taitung section may also be refunded in full under this special program.