Typhoon Mikla rainfall triggers massive landslide, cutting off Taiwanese tribe

A massive landslide on Provincial Highway 57 in Nan'ao Township, Yilan County, has isolated the Jinyang tribe, leaving approximately 260 households and 760 residents without power. The landslide, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall from the outer bands of Typhoon Mikla, occurred on the only road connecting the tribe to the outside world.

Over 100 meters of the road were buried under debris, not only blocking traffic but also damaging power poles along the route. Huang Zhi-liang, Director of the Yilan County Government's Transportation Department, stated that the landslide occurred on the slope near the Jinyang tribe, between kilometers 2 and 2.5 of the highway. He attributed the collapse to the naturally fragile geology of the area, exacerbated by saturated soil from recent rains.

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The landslide occurred on the slope near the Jinyang tribe, between kilometers 2 and 2.5 of the highway.

Power for the Jinyang tribe relies heavily on overhead cables along the affected road. The landslide tore down and crushed these cables and poles. Taiwan Power Company personnel are on standby, but their access is currently blocked by the debris. They will begin repairs as soon as the county government clears a path for their equipment and personnel.

Despite the isolation and power outage, the county government has confirmed that essential supplies for the residents are currently adequate, and there are no immediate needs for emergency medical assistance. County officials are maintaining close contact with the tribe to monitor any urgent needs for water or food. The primary goal is to restore single-lane traffic by the evening to re-establish basic communication and facilitate power restoration efforts. Comprehensive slope reinforcement and cleanup work will follow once the immediate crisis is resolved.

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The landslide tore down and crushed these cables and poles.