Hualien Hit by Heavy Rain: Fuli Township Exceeds 200mm, Roads and Scenic Spots Closed

Torrential rains have battered Hualien County, Taiwan, with Fuli Township recording over 200 millimeters of rainfall in a single 24-hour period. The downpour has prompted authorities to implement precautionary traffic controls, particularly affecting the scenic Sixty Stone Mountain, famous for its golden lilies.

Access to Sixty Stone Mountain is now restricted to "downhill only." This measure aims to prevent further vehicles and tourists from ascending the mountain, citing concerns over potential rockfalls, slope instability, and road safety risks exacerbated by the continuous rainfall. Visitors already on the mountain are urged to proceed downhill cautiously, following guidance from on-site personnel and remaining vigilant about road conditions.

In addition to the mountain access, rising water levels in the Xiuguluan River have led to the closure of the Luntian and Mingli access roads since early Monday morning. The Hualien Forest District Office of the Agriculture Ministry's Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has also preemptively closed all its managed areas, including forest recreation parks and cultural centers, effective Monday morning. These closures are in response to heavy rain warnings and alerts regarding potential dammed lakes forming in the Wanli River.

Authorities emphasize that safety is paramount, stating, "Admiring flowers can wait, but safety cannot be risked." They are continuously monitoring rainfall, road conditions, and slope stability, and will adjust control measures accordingly. The reopening of affected areas will be announced once safety is confirmed. Residents are advised to avoid mountainous areas and riverbanks during this unstable weather period.

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Admiring flowers can wait, but safety cannot be risked.