Water is draining fast from the barrier lake on Hualien's Wanli Creek, easing some pressure but leaving the riverbed under the highest alert level.

• The lake dropped sharply overnight, shedding about a million tonnes of water.
• The fall slowed after dawn, and the overflow has stayed inside the river channel.
• The riverbed is sealed off under a red alert, with a lower yellow alert for land outside the channel.
• Heavy rain is forecast through the day, which could scour the natural dam and push levels down further.
• Rail, bridge, water and local government teams have all been put on emergency notice.

Outlook: Rain should ease by evening, but the dam wall and water level need close watching until it does.