600+ evacuated amid fears of landslide-created lake collapse

600+ evacuated amid fears of landslide-created lake collapse

2025-08-12

A lake that formed in a landslide last month now seems to be on the brink of collapse and could cause a flood in Hualien. The lake is located upstream of the Mataian馬太鞍 River. More than 600 people have been evacuated from seven villages downstream of the lake. Authorities believe heavy rains from Typhoon Podul could cause the lake’s embankment to give in. Let’s hear more.

Lin Ching-shui
Guangfu Township
There is a 48-hectare lake caused by a landslide upstream of the Mataian River. We’re afraid that it will collapse, so we’ve evacuated 245 households. That’s about 650 people.

Ms. Lai
Guanfu resident
Of course I’m shocked. I’m nervous. Like, how could this happen so suddenly? It’s scary.

The barrier lake has a maximum surface area of 300 hectares and contains up to 8,600 tons of water. That’s as much as a whole Nanhua Reservoir. If the dam breaks, all areas downstream would become a disaster zone in just 30 minutes. Currently, the lake is just 25% full, but that’s still 2,288 tons of water that could come pouring out anytime soon.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#lake #dam #barrierlake #landslide #evacuation #warning #hualien #nature

花蓮馬太鞍溪上游"堰塞湖恐潰堤" 下游7村600人撤離

2025-08-12

花蓮”馬太鞍溪”上游，因為颱風「薇帕」帶來的驚人豪雨，引發國有林地大規模崩塌，就怕楊柳颱風帶來豪雨，造成堰塞湖溢頂，週二下午，下游7村進行預警性的撤村，撤離人數約有600多人。

[[光復鄉鄉長林清水]]
“馬太鞍溪上游，有48公頃的堰塞湖，我們怕它潰堤，所以變成我們這次強制撤離，大概就有245戶，650個(人)左右”

[[光復鄉居民賴小姐]]
“當然會錯愕啊，我也是緊張說，怎麼突然會這樣子啊，也是會怕啦”

堰塞湖滿水位可蓄水8600萬立方公尺，相當於一座南化水庫，一旦潰堤，只要半個小時，下游的村落就將成為致災區。雖然目前堰塞湖蓄水量約2288萬立方公尺，約25%，但相關單位不敢大意，預警性撤離。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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Tourists in Green Island returned in droves to Taiwan proper on the last four ferries before Typhoon Podul hits. Some 1,200 made it back from the outlying island just before services were canceled at noon. At the port, ships were loaded with emergency supplies destined for the island, and fishermen rushed to secure their vessels.

Tourists clutch their bags and suitcases as they disembark. They’ve fled Green Island before Typhoon Podul turns the snorkeling destination into an island cut off from the world.

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The sea was a lot rougher than when we went. We were going to stay for two days but ended up coming back this morning. We worried that we wouldn’t be able to return if we waited any longer. Everyone crammed onto the 8 a.m. ferry as if we were fleeing a disaster zone.

With a typhoon approaching, ferry companies are evacuating tourists from Taitung’s outlying islands. On Tuesday morning, four ferries packed to the brim brought back about 1,200 passengers from Green Island. The last scheduled service was at 10:30, while all ferries to and from Orchid Island were canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Taipower worker
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There are 5 or 6 technicians on the island right now. With all of us going back, there’ll be about 8 or 9 people on standby for the typhoon.

Meanwhile, Taipower workers on vacation returned to Green Island to standby in case they have to step in to repair damage from strong winds or heavy rains. Port crews raced to pack emergency supplies for Green Island, while fishermen rushed to secure their boats before the storm.

Over in Taitung City, trees in public areas got a trim early in the morning with heavy duty cranes. At the scenic Luye Highlands, which are usually packed with tourists, vendors are packing their stands and tents, and taking all their belongings indoors.

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Sometimes you set it up for a day or two only to have to close for four or five days. We’ll have to pack everything up I think.

Everyone in Taitung is rushing to get ready before the storm strikes.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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As US approves export of Nvidia’s H20 chips, China urges ditching them

Back in July, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced that his company was finally permitted to export H20 chips to China. But at what cost? On Monday, US President Donald Trump revealed that the approval only came after Nvidia agreed to give the Federal government a 15% cut in sales revenue. But now that the US export ban is lifted, it appears that China is urging businesses against Nvidia’s chips due to security concerns.

Donald Trump
US President
So I said, “Listen, I want 20% if I’m going to approve this for you, for the country, for our country, to the US. I don’t want it myself.” He said, “Will you make it 15%?”

US President Donald Trump revealed that he approved exports of Nvidia’s H20 chips with the condition that Nvidia and AMD pay a 15% cut of sales revenue to the US Federal government. Some say the deal is like putting a price on national security.

Donald Trump
US President
It’s an old chip. China already has it in a different form, a different name.

Trump called the H20 an old chip. But the agreement has done nothing to de-escalate the US-China chip war. A social media account affiliated with China’s state television claimed that the H20s are terrible for the environment, technologically behind and pose security risks. But reports say that some Chinese companies had already gotten their hands on Nvidia’s chips.

Nobunaga Chai
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We think this is a non-issue and an excuse. H20s are mostly used by small companies with limited capital or so-called labs. Back in March, most companies in Beijing or even Shanghai had already opted for A100s or H100s, meaning it’s likely that they got them through resale channels overseas, and the chips would have already passed through one or two intermediaries.

Jensen Huang (July 15)
Nvidia CEO
I’m announcing that the US government has approved for us, finally, licenses to start shipping H20s, and so we will start to sell H20s to the Chinese market. And I’m looking forward to shipping H20s very soon.

Back in mid-July, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang seemed delighted that his company could finally ship H20 chips to China. However, it seems that this time, it’s Beijing that’s hindering sales. All being said, it’s clear that Nvidia is caught between the US and China.

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Mayor visits Taichung Aquarium ahead of grand opening on Aug. 21

The Taichung Aquarium is set to open to the public on Aug. 21.Ahead of the grand opening, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and city council speaker Chang Ching-chao went in for a sneak peek. Unlike other aquariums that are mostly behind sealed glass tanks, the Taichung Aquarium has an open design that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the marine life.

A penguin gently flaps to stay afloat, its rotund body a joy to watch. But there’s far more than penguins to see here—this aquarium features sea creatures of every shape, size, and color.

This is Taichung Aquarium, Taiwan’s first aquarium with a fully open design, and with the greatest variety of exhibits. It’s set to open to the public on Aug. 21. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and city council speaker Chang Ching-chao recently visited to see for themselves.

Lu Shiow-yen
Taichung Mayor
This is the most advanced aquarium in Taiwan, the Taichung Aquarium. What’s so special about it? Well, it has the newest design. First is that it’s fully open. Most aquariums you’ve seen before are closed behind glass tanks, so you can only view it with your eyes. But this aquarium is entirely open. All the tanks are open.

Three different administrations have overseen the creation of this NT$1.3 billion aquarium in Qingshui District. It’s only five minutes on foot to Wuqi Fishing Port and a five-minute drive to the Gaomei Wetlands, meaning visitors could spend an entire day enjoying the Taichung coastline.

Lu Shiow-yen
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The best part of the whole museum is the Gaomei Wetlands exhibit. Everyone can wade through to see the different fish and sea life. On one side you can see the wetland, while on the other you can see Taichung Port.

At Taichung Aquarium, you can get up close and personal with the sea life, while also enjoying an immersive theater-level projection for a fully interactive experience. Everyone is welcome to come see for themselves later this month!

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1,900 job openings with salaries of up to NT$65,000 at New Taipei job fair

Some 1,900 job openings were on offer at a job fair held by the New Taipei Labor Affairs Department and the Ministry of Labor. A total of 30 companies from various fields set up booths, attracting hundreds of participants. The event also tailored exclusive job openings for recent high school and vocational school graduates. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the details.

Job seekers carefully fill out forms and get ready for their interviews. Companies at this job fair provided attractive salary offers. A well-known food and beverage group offered monthly salaries between NT$53,000 and NT$62,000 for head chef and management trainee roles.

Job seeker
The salaries are quite appealing, and their service attitude seems very friendly.”

Job seeker
I have a background in electrical engineering and electronics, so I’m focusing on jobs in that field.

To encourage recent high school and vocational school graduates to explore career opportunities, the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Education launched the "Youth Employment Navigation Program." The job fair provided job openings for graduates fresh from school.

Recent high school graduate
I want to learn about myself first. Maybe work for two to three years, then decide what major to pursue in university.

Chen Rui-jia
New Taipei Labor Affairs Department
This is a central government initiative. During employment, both ministries will offer a NT$5,000 monthly stipend to help students earn income and gain experience on the job.

According to the New Taipei Labor Affairs Department, demand in the consumer and service sectors is rising sharply. Job vacancies in the hospitality and food service account for 65% of total openings. While retail and wholesale account for 28%

Liu Yun-pei
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For general applicants, our highest salary right now is around NT$65,000 for the executive store manager position.”

The New Taipei Labor Affairs Department hopes to help people find work and ensure students are employed after graduation.

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In honor of the 10th anniversary of Taiwanese comic artist Chen Hung-Yao’s passing, the Taiwan Comic Base is presenting his solo exhibition. Chen was a trailblazer in time-travel narratives, delving into themes of space and time decades before they gained popularity. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us inside the exhibition for a look at his legacy.

The exhibit showcases Chen’s masterpieces, such as “The Story of Yi Dow.” It’s his second full-length comic work, about a martial artist who time-travels and changes places with a martial arts master from the late Ming Dynasty. Chen was a trailblazer in time-travel stories, delving into themes of space and time before they gained popularity.

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For fans of Chen Hong-Yao, "The Story of Yi Dow" is probably his most well-known piece. Time travel is a defining element of his storytelling. We use the theme of time travel from his stories to journey through the creative path of his life and works. Back then, time-travel stories weren’t as common as they are now. What’s impressive is that his stories involved dual time travel—not just a modern person going back to ancient times, but also someone from the past coming to the present day. This allowed for many setups, for example, a modern person going back to ancient times and getting caught up in battles or gambling scenes, or a legendary martial arts master suddenly appearing on the streets of Taipei.

The exhibit also rare original manuscripts and even unfinished storyboards which were later made into sculptures by young artists for the exhibition. Chen is famous for his distinctive fusion of Japanese-style dynamic panel layouts with European literary art.

Amigo Cheng
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Taiwan’s platform for serialized comics hasn’t been very stable, so after "The Story of Yi Dow," Chen wasn’t able to create serialized manga for nearly 20 years. Serialized manga follows the Japanese system of comic storytelling—it’s from right to left and tends to have a faster rhythm. During that time, Chen explored illustration work. Manga allows you to tell your own story, but illustration requires you to listen to someone else’s story and help convey it visually. Through this process, he developed a wide range of artistic styles. So by 2011, when we began entering the European market, they were drawn to the distinctive flavor of graphic literature in his work, and their reading format—left to right.

To pay tribute to Chen’s legacy and his 10th year since passing, the Taiwan Comic Base is holding his solo exhibition.

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I think he was truly dedicated to his work. Even for projects that paid very little or none at all, he always poured his heart into creating. I feel that our current era is finally beginning to understand the world he came from. It’s been such a joy to collaborate with so many talented young teams—whether it’s in exhibition design, visual production, or model-making. They’ve brought to life stories that he once illustrated but, unfortunately, never had the chance to develop. Now, those stories have been transformed into physical models.

The exhibition will be held at the Taiwan Comic Base until Aug. 24.

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South Korean official furious that cabinet delegation cancelled their meeting

Last week, a delegation to South Korea led by Minister Without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin was to meet with the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but cancelled the night before due to an APEC-related emergency. A few days later, the commission’s chairperson, Park Sun-young wrote on Facebook that she felt insulted that Taiwan’s delegation cancelled their meeting while her secretariat had already made preparations. Meanwhile, Minister Lin said that Park’s social media post caught him completely off guard, since he’d already apologized and even received a reply from the other party at the time.

Cabinet officials cancelled their meeting with South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission the night before, citing an urgent matter for APEC. The Taiwan delegation’s action was strongly condemned by the commission’s chairperson, Park Sun-young.

Park wrote on Facebook that the secretariat had already prepared flowers, Korean-style desserts and gifts, which cost a pretty penny. She ended the post saying, “Such insolence, even though three days has passed, still makes me feel very humiliated. From now on, Taiwan will forever remain in my heart, arrogant and disrespectful.” Park’s remarks have caught on in Taiwan.

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A notice was given a day prior, and both sides understood each other. Perhaps the commission chairperson was not aware of this process, so she felt unhappy. I would suggest that the minister without portfolio give her a phone call. It’s a pity for friends to have a misunderstanding, but all it takes it explaining ourselves.

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This is a grave diplomatic mistake that severely harmed Taiwan’s national interests. I hope Premier Cho Jung-tai will give a clear explanation how the officials involved will be disciplined and whether anyone should step down to take responsibility.

TPP chair and lawmaker Huang Kuo-chang urged the premier to issue penalties on the officials involved at the party’s press conference. Meanwhile, another TPP lawmaker, Lin Kuo-chen also questioned the premier on the incident during a legislative hearing.

Lin Kuo-chen
Lawmaker (TPP)
Our diplomacy is so precarious, and our officials don’t even have common courtesy. I believe I must make this known to the premier.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
He had to attend an APEC meeting, that’s why the schedule was changed, first of all. Second, he should, at the soonest possible, make amends through diplomatic channels, and do what’s necessary to thoroughly explain himself and get the other party to understand. And third, I believe you can also understand how difficult diplomatic negotiations are in general.

Meanwhile, the official in question, Minister Without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin said that at the time, his delegation had already issued an apology to the other party, while they also replied via email that they’ve understood. Lin said the commission chairperson’s Facebook post caught him completely off guard.

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