Taiwanese Community Faces Landslides Amid Dispute Over Slope Alterations

Residents in a large community in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, are living in fear as landslides from a steep slope above their homes have caused significant damage. Six houses have been partially damaged by soil and rock collapses over the past four years, with the situation worsening after heavy rains following typhoons.

The affected residents point to a private landowner, accusing them of illegally excavating and altering the hillside, which was once covered in trees, to plant oil tea trees. They claim this activity destabilized the slope, leading to the collapses. Despite the visible signs of land alteration, county officials have inspected the site and concluded that no violations occurred.

This finding has left residents feeling helpless, as the county government stated that the private land is still being used for agricultural purposes and no illegal excavation was observed at the time of inspection. While residents argue that the landowner's actions changed the terrain, officials maintain that the current vegetation and water conservation measures on the private land are adequate, thus deeming the activity legal.

Adding to the residents' concerns is the condition of the retaining wall. Some residents believe the wall was not built high enough to reach the ridgeline and was inadequately reinforced, describing the cement surface as a mere "mask" that has eroded over time. The local government has placed tarpaulins on the affected slope to mitigate further erosion from rain, but the threat of future collapses looms.