Residents in Hualien, Taiwan Devastated by Sudden Flooding from Typhoon Ragasa

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:54:40 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The unexpected bursting of a barrier lake following Typhoon Ragasa has resulted in a deadly flood in Hualien, Taiwan, leaving at least 14 dead and dozens unaccounted for. Survivors recount the horror as floodwaters rapidly inundated their homes amidst mounting concerns over emergency response measures.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Ragasa, Hualien County in Taiwan is reeling from catastrophic flooding caused by the sudden overflow of a barrier lake. Residents describe scenes of chaos as they sought refuge from surging waters, while emergency services face criticism over their lack of timely warnings. At least 14 people have died, with many more unaccounted for, and the community is left to grapple with the destruction of homes and lives.

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 who were in the path of the deadly wall of water that swept down the mountainside stood little chance 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.

The Matai'an Creek barrier lake is about 11km (7 miles) away from downstream communities and held about 91 million tonnes of water, enough to fill 36,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Within minutes, after the lake burst its banks on Tuesday, vast quantities of water inundated Guangfu Township, killing at least 14 people and injuring 32 others, with 46 still unaccounted for.

Emergency services confirmed that the floodwaters were metres deep in Guangfu, with some areas reaching as high as the second floor of homes. Survivors expressed frustration over the lack of evacuation warnings. Experts indicated that failure to evacuate residents properly contributed to the disaster's severity.

The chaos intensified as many elderly residents, who often rely on door-to-door communication for information, were left without help, particularly those bedridden due to chronic illness.

Hualien County, known for its mountainous terrain, is no stranger to natural disasters. The region is particularly vulnerable to typhoons due to its geographic positioning. The community, which includes a significant Indigenous population, is now left grappling with loss and the devastating impact of the flooding on both lives and livelihoods, including the destruction of Awa's bookshop.

As the local community begins to recover, questions remain about the preparedness and response to such extreme weather events, especially regarding the communication of risk to vulnerable populations.