Hualien’s Swallow Grotto barrier dam collapses, highway reopens

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Overflowing water from an outlet channel dug by excavators triggered the collapse of the Swallow Grotto barrier dam, allowing the Liwu River to resume its natural course.

The Liwu River breached the landslide dam at around 11:30 a.m., causing a sudden surge in water flow, according to Chu Yi-chien (朱懿千), deputy director of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency’s Hualien Branch. He said the water eroded the structure rapidly, reducing its height by 18 meters in just 40 minutes.

Authorities issued evacuation orders for the Sioulin Township Office and a nearby Taipower plant as a precaution. The Jinwen Bridge was also closed, and warnings were issued advising the public to stay away from the Liwu River channel, outlet, and estuary areas. 

Chu urged the public to avoid the downstream riverbed and said bridges and public facilities along the river should be closely monitored to ensure safety.

The collapse of the barrier dam allowed the reopening of Provincial Highway No. 8 between Taroko National Park and Tianxiang. The section, which had been closed since Oct. 17.

Previously flooded areas, including the Jinheng Tunnel and Ludan Bridge, are being cleared of debris and mud by repair crews. Work also continues along the Central Cross-Island Highway to stabilize slopes and repair damaged road surfaces and roadbeds.