The Curse of Lanyu Nuclear Waste: Unveiling the Dark Legend and 40 Years of Resistance

Background of the Lanyu Nuclear Waste Curse: A Carefully Orchestrated Lie

The Beginning of Deception: The “Fish Canning Factory”

In the 1970s, as Taiwan’s economy took off, nuclear energy was seen as a symbol of modernization. However, the low-level radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants needed a place to go. The government set its sights on remote Lanyu. At that time, the government did not honestly inform the islanders what was about to be built; instead, they wove a beautiful lie.

Pastor Syapen Lamuran (Tung Sen-yong), a 76-year-old Tao elder, recalls that dark history:

“No one bothered to tell the people why the southern tip of their island was suddenly off-limits. We only knew that this place, where generations of women caught crabs in rugged tide pools and farmers grew taro and millet, had suddenly turned into a massive construction site.”

Rumors abounded, with officials hinting that it would be a “pineapple canning factory” or “fish canning factory.” For locals hungry for economic development and job opportunities, this was a huge temptation. The government exploited the kindness and trust of the Tao people, digging a massive trap on their sacred land.

The Shock of Truth in 1980

It wasn’t until 1980, when a local pastor read an inconspicuous article in a newspaper, that they realized the so-called “factory” was actually a massive nuclear waste storage facility. Pastor Tung sorrowfully recalled:
“The government lied to us. They didn’t care if the nuclear waste killed us, nor did they care if the Tao people went extinct.”

The Curse Descends: 100,000 Barrels of Death

In 1982, the first batch of nuclear waste arrived at Longmen Harbor. Those yellow iron barrels looked like containers filled with demons to the Tao people, pouring endlessly into this small island. To date, the Lanyu storage site has accumulated over 100,000 barrels of Lanyu nuclear waste.

In 2017, the government officially released declassified historical materials, confirming in black and white that the Tao people were “completely unaware” of the nuclear waste storage site at the time. This 35-year-old deception was finally officially confirmed.

40 Years of Resistance: Fighting the Curse

From the moment the truth was revealed, the Tao people began a long and arduous struggle.

• 1988: Angry protesters stormed the nuclear waste storage facility.
• Expelling Evil: Tribespeople threw boulders at the harbor, trying to stop Taipower from shipping in new barrels.
• Taipei Protests: Warriors wearing traditional loincloths stood on the busy streets of Taipei, roaring at the government.

The young protest leaders of that time are now white-haired elders. 58-year-old Shaman Fengayan (Kuo Chien-ping) once said, “We are challenging the limits and seeing hope.” But this hope was bought with the youth and health of generations.

Manifestation of the Curse: Cancer, Deformities, and Mutations

Health Disaster: The Truth of the Cancer Village

Although official reports always claim radiation levels are within safe limits, local data tells another story. According to private disclosures from local health center nurses, since the arrival of Lanyu nuclear waste, the cancer rate on the island has risen significantly, even three times higher than on Taiwan’s main island.

Ocean’s Revenge: The Terror of Mutant Creatures

70-year-old fisherman Tao Lahayji has witnessed the tragedy of the ocean. “The sea used to be clean, with many big fish. But since that demon came…” He once pulled up a fish with three eyes, weird green scales, and a rotting smell from his net. The tribe calls it the “Cursed Fish.”

Even more heartbreaking is the abnormality of dolphins. Tribespeople have witnessed dolphins jumping out of the water near the storage site, letting out shrill cries, with unexplained black spots on their backs. Lahayji sighed, “Dolphins are messengers of the sea god; they are crying for this polluted ocean.”

Supernatural Phenomena: The Curse on Electronics

Besides biological mutations, many tourists and researchers visiting near the nuclear waste site report unexplainable phenomena:

• Photo Anomalies: Photos often show unexplained light spots or twisted shadows.
• Equipment Failure: Phones shut down automatically despite full battery; camera shutters jam.
• Voices in Recordings: In ambient recordings, low moans or sounds like children crying are occasionally heard. Some who understand the Tao language hear ancestors saying: “Take the demon away… our land is weeping…”

Cultural Reflection Under the Shadow of Lanyu Nuclear Waste

“Anti-Nuclear Bar” and Protest Art

Facing an unchangeable reality, the Tao people transformed their anger into art and culture. 50-year-old Huang Ying-zhen runs a space called “Anti-Nuclear Bar.” It sells not just alcohol, but ideals. Signature cocktails are named “Remove Nuclear Waste,” and the walls are covered with protest photos from decades past and “No Nuclear!” posters.

Scars in Literature

Renowned Tao writer Syaman Rapongan‘s works, such as Cold Sea, Deep Emotion and Myths of Badai Bay, though famous for ocean literature, often reveal the shock and worry caused by nuclear waste on marine culture. These literary works have become important carriers for recording tribal scars.

Additionally, carvings on Tatala boats have changed. Young craftsmen have begun to incorporate “anti-nuclear” symbols into traditional totems, even making satirical “nuclear waste barrel pottery,” trying to awaken outside attention through art.

Organizations and Legal Aid

In this fight, the Tao people are not alone. Many domestic and international organizations provide long-term concern and assistance:

Deep Tour: Environmental Justice Education Journey

If you want to understand this history deeply rather than just sightseeing, participating in a deep tour is the best choice. This is not for novelty, but for witnessing and learning.

“Nuclear Waste Truth Tour”

Provided by the Lanyu Cultural Guides Association, guides lead visitors to the perimeter of the storage site (maintaining a safe distance) to explain the 40-year history of resistance. You will hear stories not written in textbooks and see the forbidden lands surrounded by barbed wire.

🌞 Field Trip Essential: LISHAN UV Sunscreen Spray

Participating in the “Nuclear Waste Truth Tour” or island surveys usually involves long hours of sun exposure. The sun in Lanyu is intense. To avoid sunburn affecting your trip, we recommend this LISHAN UV Sunscreen Spray. With moisturizing ingredients and full-body application, it protects your skin while you focus on listening to the guide and witnessing history.

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Visiting Notices

• Safety First: Never approach or attempt to enter the nuclear waste storage site without authorization.
• Respect Culture: Ask for permission before taking photos; do not aim lenses at tribespeople who do not wish to be photographed.
• Support Local: Prioritize spending at shops and guesthouses run by tribespeople. Your support is the backbone of their continued resistance.

Modern Evolution: Compensation and Generational Pain

Turning Point in 2019: Delayed Justice?

On November 22, 2019, the government announced the approval of NT$2.55 billion in compensation to make up for the deception of the Tao people back then, and promised an additional NT$220 million in land support compensation every three years. This was the first time the government officially admitted its mistake. Environmental groups affirmed this but also emphasized that “compensation does not equal solving the problem.”

Voices of Generational Division

This huge sum of compensation triggered complex emotions within the tribe.

• Young Generation: Like 34-year-old Si Yabosoganan, who believes “anti-nuclear” is an old tune, and resources should be used to promote Tao culture and develop the economy.
• Older Protestors: Insist that “money cannot buy back health and land,” fearing that accepting compensation will weaken the legitimacy of removing the nuclear waste. Huang Ying-zhen helplessly said: “Tourists leave after having fun; we have no retreat. This island is our home.”

Future Outlook: The Long Road to Removal and Reconciliation

In 2023, the New York Times published an in-depth report titled “Lanyu Nuclear Waste Dispute: Anger and Resistance of Taiwan’s Indigenous People,” pushing this issue to the international stage. However, the real solution—nuclear waste removal—still has no clear timeline.

Taipower once proposed schemes to “transport back to the main island” or “process on-site then transport out,” but all face huge technical and political challenges. For the Tao people, true reconciliation will only come on the day all yellow barrels leave. That will be not only the restoration of the land but the healing of spiritual trauma.

🎒 Take the Story, Leave Hope: NaSaDen Classic Blue Suitcase

Every trip to Lanyu is a spiritual baptism. On your return, your suitcase should contain not just souvenirs, but an understanding and story of this land. We recommend this NaSaDen Suitcase. Its deep blue color resembles the ocean of Lanyu. Sturdy and durable, it can accompany you to visit more corners that need attention, bringing these stories of environmental justice to more people.

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