TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A landslide at Xi'ai Tunnel (錫隘隧道) in Miaoli County knocked down two utility poles Wednesday (May 6), cutting power to more than 900 households. The collapse along County Road 26 (苗26線) blocked a vital route connecting Gongguan Township (公館鄉) and Shitan Township (獅潭鄉).
Police closed the affected road section and notified the township office and Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電公司) for urgent repairs, authorities said. Drivers were advised to detour via Provincial Highway 72 (台72線) and Provincial Highway 3 (台3線) for alternate access between the two townships.
Taipower's Miaoli District Office (台電苗栗區營業處) reported that affected areas included Heshan Village (鶴山村), Jianshan Village (尖山村), Wugu Village (五谷村), and Renan Village (仁安村). System rerouting restored power to most households by Wednesday afternoon, leaving only 17 rural homes in remote areas without electricity.
Taipower crews stood by to assist with debris clearance and road repairs, coordinating with county officials on site. The utility estimated full power restoration by 9 p.m. Wednesday for the remaining 17 households still affected. Details on the cause of the landslide were not immediately available. ◼