Two large landslips occurred at Waimushan Shore Walk in Keelung in February, blocking the path for walkers. Now researchers have carried out a survey of the area, to find out where the next landslide might fall. New technologies helped them create a detailed 3D map of the terrain, filling in every crag and corner of the cliff. Officials hope they can care for the cliff better, now they know where falls are likely.
A gigantic rock blocks the middle of the road, taking up most of both lanes. Waimushan Shore Walk saw two landslips in February. With Taiwan in plum rain season, officials fear another landslide could endanger road users. Keelung’s fire and public works departments have brought in experts to survey the cliffs, and assess the risk of further falls.
Liao Chun-yu
Keelung Public Works Dept.
The experts have made a comprehensive survey of the area. Their assessment is that 12 areas are at high risk and do not have a buffer zone. If a landslip should occur, it could endanger people on the road.
Prof. Ku Cheng-yu
NTOU Harbor and River Engineering Dept.
The volume of the earth is more than a cubic meter, and it weighs 20 to 30 tons. So it will have very considerable force if it comes down.
The shale cliffs at Keelung’s Huhai and Beining Roads are battered by rain and marine erosion all year long. Landslips are an occasional danger. In the past there was no way to reach the area where a fall would begin, but now drones help officials work out how the cliffs are holding up. They can even build 3D models of the earth.
Prof. Ku Cheng-yu
NTOU Harbor and River Engineering Dept.
We take 3D photos with the drone, and then construct a digital 3D image. Then you have the ability to predict where and how the rocks will fall.
Liao Chun-yu
Keelung Public Works Dept.
The results of the research suggest that it will be hard to prevent a landslide here. Or we should say, first we can make an assessment and understand it better. Keelung Fire Department has the technology and the team. So we would particularly love the Fire Department to come and support us.
Disaster prevention teams are incorporating new technologies into their work all the time. A landslip that was a total surprise in the past could now become as clear as day.