Red Alert for Hualien Landslide Lake; Bridge Closed, Detours Announced

Authorities have issued a red alert for the Wanli River landslide lake in Hualien, citing a risk of dam failure. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency issued the warning this afternoon, prompting immediate action from the Directorate General of Highways.

The Wanli River Bridge has been closed in both directions as a precautionary measure. The Eastern Region Highway Maintenance Office and the Hualien District Office have implemented traffic control. Initially, one inner lane in each direction will remain open for general vehicles, but drivers are strictly prohibited from lingering on the bridge.

Personnel have been stationed at both ends of the bridge to monitor the water level. Considering poor visibility for monitoring at night, a complete precautionary closure of the bridge is scheduled from 10 p.m. tonight until 8 a.m. tomorrow, November 17. The situation will be continuously reviewed and adjusted based on whether the landslide lake overflows or its water level rises significantly.

The Directorate General of Highways has announced alternative routes for affected traffic. Southbound vehicles traveling from Hualien City towards Guangfu, Ruishui, Yuli, and Taitung can use Highway 9, then Highway 11, followed by Highway 11 Jia, and finally Highway 9 again. Other options involve using Highway 11's coastal route or Highway 30 (Yuchang Highway) depending on the destination. Similar detours are provided for southbound traffic from Shoufeng and northbound traffic from Yuli, Ruishui, and Taitung.