TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Shen-Ao Elephant Trunk Rock on Taiwan's northeastern coast collapsed into the sea on Saturday (Dec. 16), raising concerns about the potential fate of the "Queen's Head" rock at Yehliu Geopark.
Local reports confirmed the elephant trunk rock's collapse around 1:55 p.m. yesterday, leaving only the rock's "body" intact. The Ruifang District Office of the New Taipei City Government (NTPC) attributed the trunk's breakage to severe weather and rough sea conditions.
The news quickly spread online, sparking discussions and fears that the "Queen's Head," another geological feature at Yehliu, might be the next landmark to suffer a similar fate.
Over the years, erosion has reduced the 'Queen's Head' neck thickness from 144 centimeters in 2006 to 119 centimeters in 2023.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has been working to mitigate human-induced damage, but the natural erosion process remains a challenge as they strive to extend the life of this iconic natural formation.