TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (林保署), Taiwan's forest management authority, reported Wednesday (Sept. 24) that the barrier lake's dam crest dropped 80 meters to 1,060 meters elevation. The agency emphasized that remaining water volume still poses threats to residents. Officials urged residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid the Matai'an Creek (馬太鞍溪) channel.
Overflow from Matai'an Creek Barrier Lake (馬太鞍溪堰塞湖) Tuesday (Sept. 23) devastated Guangfu Township (光復鄉), a rural community in eastern Taiwan. Floodwaters swept through low-lying areas including Datong Village (大同村), Dama Village (大馬村), and Dahua Village (大華村). The torrent destroyed Matai'an Bridge (馬太鞍橋), leaving only isolated bridge piers standing.
Aerial footage revealed floodwaters inundated the eastern gravel pit of Matai'an Landslide Lake, severely damaging vehicles and covering roads with thick silt that surged into homes. The Ministry of Agriculture (農業部), Taiwan's agricultural authority, dispatched drones to assess the situation, discovering a 75% reduction in the lake's water volume. Despite this decrease, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency maintained a red alert. ◼