A landslide dam upstream of Siaolin failed catastrophically, resulting in a devastating mudflow to completely cover the northern half of the village.

The heavy rainfall caused landslides in mountainous regions in southern Taiwan, especially Jiasian, Liouguei, Taoyuan, and Namasia districts.

[3] At 6:16 AM, August 9, a debris flow occurred from a height of 1445 m on Xiandu Mountain, located upstream on the Qishan River from Siaolin.

[4] The slide immediately covered the northern half of Siaolin and formed a landslide dam, blocking the river's flow.

Within 50 minutes, the landslide dam failed catastrophically, causing another debris flow with a 38% solid composition to erupt downstream, covering the rest of Siaolin.

[10] Initially, rescuers and soldiers were dispatched by the government to look for survivors, but no progress was made due to poor weather conditions.

Helicopters from Shanlin District were grounded, while collapsed road surfaces along Highway 29 also prevented rescuers from reaching the settlement.

[11] The following day, twenty one rescuers, eight from the district fire department and thirteen from the military, arrived in Siaolin via helicopter.

Officials from the district fire department also entered the settlement via foot, reporting that around 500-600 people may have lost their lives.

[18] Minor planet 185636, discovered by Lulin Observatory, was named "Siao Lin" in memorial of Siaolin Village.