Natural disaster has struck Taiwan’s eastern Hualien County following the collapse of a decades-old barrier lake, triggered by torrential rains from Super Typhoon Ragasa. The incident has left at least 14 people dead, 18 injured, and 152 individuals unaccounted for, according to Taiwan’s National Fire Agency.
The lake, formed by landslides decades ago, burst its banks on Tuesday afternoon, unleashing a torrent of muddy floodwaters that swept through the township of Guangfu. The surge destroyed a key bridge and inundated homes, turning streets into rivers and leaving cars submerged and trees uprooted.
Premier Cho Jung-tai visited the disaster zone on Wednesday, pledging full government support for rescue and recovery efforts. “We must investigate why evacuation orders were not executed in time. Our priority now is locating the missing and ensuring the safety of survivors,” he stated.
Emergency services, including military personnel and rescue teams from across the island, have been deployed to assist affected communities. Over 7,600 residents were evacuated across Taiwan due to the typhoon’s impact. In Guangfu alone, more than half of the town’s 8,700 residents sought refuge on higher ground or relocated to safer areas.
Eyewitness accounts describe the flood as a “wall of water” that struck with little warning. “It was like a volcano erupting,” said Hsu Cheng-hsiung, a local neighborhood leader. “The muddy floodwaters came roaring straight into the first floor of my house.”
Taiwan’s government has mobilized resources for relief operations, including food, water, and shelter. The Ministry of Interior urges residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official guidance as further rainfall is expected.
This tragic event underscores the increasing vulnerability of natural infrastructure amid extreme weather events. Taiwan, frequently hit by tropical storms between July and October, continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response systems.