In brief
Residents in Hualien, Taiwan, are grappling with the aftermath of flash floods caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa, with reports of at least 14 fatalities and numerous missing individuals. The flooding followed the breaching of a barrier lake, which released massive water amounts, overwhelming local communities with little to no warning. The impact has been especially severe for the elderly and vulnerable residents.
When the floodwater came rushing down from the mountain, Awa and her husband tried to get to their car – but it was already too late.
It was like a river outside and cars were floating. Everything started drifting, said the 42-year-old bookstore owner. The couple sought refuge on the second floor of their shop in Guangfu township, trying to save as many books as possible.
I'm still in shock. I just can't imagine how this could have happened, she said.
Like many Taiwanese, Awa is reeling from the unexpected deadly destruction caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa, even though the island was not in the direct path of the strongest storm the world has seen this year.
The breaching of a barrier lake – formed after landslides triggered by another typhoon blocked rivers in a remote mountain valley in July – is the main cause of extensive damage in the eastern county of Hualien, said Huang Chao Chin, the deputy commander of Taiwan's Central Emergency Operation Centre.
People in the path of the deadly wall of water that swept down the mountainside faced overwhelming odds as it washed away a bridge, uprooted trees, and submerged vehicles. Many of those who died were elderly, trapped by water surging into their homes.
On September 22, authorities had evacuated about 7,000 residents from the county, issuing warnings that were too vague, leading to confusion among the population. Local officials indicated the evacuation was merely a recommendation and not mandatory.
The Matai'an Creek barrier lake held approximately 91 million tonnes of water before its sudden overflow on Tuesday, resulting in fatalities and leaving many unaccounted for.
Survivors in Guangfu reported no immediate warning from local authorities before the flood struck. Geology experts noted that the disaster’s severity could have been mitigated with better management and timely warnings.
As Hualien continues to recover, residents like Awa face the heartbreaking reality of their gutted businesses and lost lives. The community, primarily rural and with a significant elderly population, now seeks answers and support amid the devastation.
