Residents on Alert as New Barrier Lake Forms in Hualien With Typhoon Approaching
A new barrier lake has formed in the mountains of Hualien, posing a threat to residents in downstream townships with Typhoon Mekkhala approaching Taiwan's east coast. Local authorities and residents are preparing for potential evacuations. Last year, nearby Guangfu Township was devastated by flooding that killed 19 people after a barrier lake burst its banks.
Aerial footage from forestry authorities shows evidence of a landslide high in the mountains of eastern Taiwan, trapping large amounts of water and creating a dangerous phenomenon known as a landslide dam, or barrier lake.
The very term "barrier lake" conjures up dread in Taiwan because of one such dam that burst its banks and flooded last year, killing 19 people and devastating a town just seven kilometers away from this spot.
HSIEH YU-CHEN, SENRONG VILLAGE CHIEF, FENGLING TOWNSHIP (Hualien County, Taiwan)
Because of what we learned from the tragedy in Guangfu last year, whenever we hear the words "barrier lake," everyone is afraid.
The forestry agency estimates the new barrier lake could hold up to six million cubic meters of water, and if it breaches, it could threaten the townships of Wanrong and Fenglin below.
HUANG CHUN-TSE, DIRECTOR, HUALIEN BRANCH, FORESTRY AND NATURE CONSERVATION AGENCY (Hualien County, Taiwan)
It's extremely deep in the mountains, and there are no roads that can reach it, so our personnel can't get near it anytime soon.
We've sent preliminary data to [relevant authorities] downstream to help monitor water levels.
We also promptly informed the Hualien County government and the Fenglin and Wanrong township offices about the barrier lake.
Local officials and residents are on high alert, knowing they may need to leave at short notice.
HSU CHIH-CHIEN, SECRETARY, FENGLIN TOWNSHIP OFFICE (Hualien County, Taiwan)
We've immediately activated our emergency response center at a level 3 alert.
We've asked the forestry agency to quickly determine the boundaries of the danger area based on the aerial information.
LIANG KUANG-MING, WANRONG TOWNSHIP CHIEF (Hualien County, Taiwan)
Wanrong has nearly 1,000 households. If we need to evacuate, the township office doesn't have the capacity. We still need assistance from the central government.
With memories of last year's devastation still on their minds, some residents are hoping the forestry authorities can do more to prevent another disaster.
WANRONG RESIDENT (Hualien County, Taiwan)
They should drain out the lake.
(What about letting it overflow naturally?)
Absolutely not. I can’t even begin to imagine it.
With more storms expected toward the end of the week as Typhoon Mekkhala approaches, officials and residents will be watching the new barrier lake closely for any signs of breaching.
