臺灣特有之地質、地形及氣象條件經常引致重大土石流災害,防災國家型科技計畫規劃時即納入土石流災害為重點研究主題。行政院農業委員會(以下簡稱農委會)於1996年公布全省485條土石流溪流;921地震後增列為722條;2003年農委會水土保持局完成全國1,420條土石流溪流調查。防災國家型科技計畫辦公室土石流研究群於921地震後建立485條土石流潛勢資料,包括土石流溪流之潛勢評估及影響範圍,於桃芝颱風後應用於防災疏散撤離,達成良好成效。其後林美聆、連惠邦等(2003)完成1,423條土石流潛勢溪流現地調查、資料庫建立、影響範圍劃定、潛勢及危害評估、及展示系統等建立完整潛勢資料,並應用於防減災管理。由於災害影響及地形變遷,潛勢資料由主管單位定期進行更新維護。完善之潛勢資料庫,為防救災工作上不可或缺的重要資訊。
The geological, topographical, and meteorological conditions in Taiwan provide the essential factors for inducing severe debris flow hazards from time to time. The Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, (COA) reported 485 debris flow torrents in Taiwan in 1996. The number increased to 722 due to the severe landslides and mass movements caused by the 921 Chi-Chi earthquake in 1999. A total number of 1,420 debris flow torrents were reported by Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, COA, (SWCB) in 2003 following investigation after typhoon Toraji, 2001. The first potential database of 485 debris flow torrents was established by the debris flow research group of the Office of National Science and Technology Program for Hazard Mitigation (NAPHM) after the Chi-Chi earthquake. The potential data included rating of debris flow potential and delineation of affected area of each torrent. This database was adopted by the Central Emergency Response Office during typhoon warning period after typhoon Toraji, and proved to be effective in reducing number of casualties. The follow-up investigation and construction of comprehensive potential data of the 1,423 debris flow torrent were conducted by Lin, Lien, et al. (2003). The field investigation, construction of database, delineation of affected area, assessment models for potential, susceptibility, and priority for mitigation of 1,423 debris flow torrents were conducted. An information system was constructed for decision support during emergency response and for hazard mitigation measures. Due to the topographic variations and consequences of hazard events, updating and maintenance of the potential database have been conducted by the authority agent, which enables the improvement of disaster prevention strategy, and provide decision support for land use management and regional development.