Taiwan Flood Disaster: 14 Dead, 124 Missing After Barrier Lake Bursts in Hualien
<p>Taiwan is reeling from a devastating natural disaster after a decades-old <strong>barrier lake in Hualien County</strong> burst on Tuesday, unleashing a torrent of floodwaters and mud that destroyed homes, bridges, and entire neighborhoods. Authorities confirmed that <strong>14 people have been killed</strong>, <strong>18 injured</strong>, and at least <strong>124 remain missing</strong> following the catastrophe.</p><p>The incident occurred as <strong>Super Typhoon Ragasa</strong> pounded Taiwan with torrential rain and fierce winds, displacing thousands of residents and compounding the destruction left behind.</p><h3>How the Disaster Unfolded</h3><p>The barrier lake, located in eastern Hualien, could no longer withstand the immense pressure from days of heavy rainfall. On Tuesday afternoon, the lake suddenly burst, releasing a <strong>roaring wall of muddy water</strong> that swept across Kuang Fu township.</p><p>The force of the floodwaters destroyed a <strong>bridge over Mataian Creek</strong>, engulfed vehicles, and inundated residential areas with deep layers of sludge. Many residents were caught off guard. One survivor, <strong>Hsu Cheng-hsiung, 55</strong>, described the moment vividly:</p><blockquote><p>“It was like a volcano erupting. The muddy floodwaters came roaring straight into the first floor of my house.”</p></blockquote><p>Videos released by Taiwan’s National Fire Agency showed submerged cars, uprooted trees, and streets buried in thick mud, resembling scenes from a disaster movie.</p><h3>Casualties and Missing Persons</h3><p>The <strong>Hualien County Government</strong> confirmed the death toll at 14, with 18 injured and 124 people unaccounted for. Search-and-rescue teams are working around the clock, but officials warned that operations are hampered by difficult conditions.</p><blockquote><p>“It was a disaster movie,” said <strong>Yen Shau, 31</strong>, a resident who recalled how many people were still shopping at a local supermarket just an hour before the floods struck. Within minutes, water rose halfway up to the first floor of his home.</p></blockquote><p>Rescuers continue to comb through collapsed structures and mud-covered neighborhoods in search of survivors. Helicopters have been deployed to access isolated communities, while emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families.</p><h3>Widespread Evacuations Across Taiwan</h3><p>The bursting of the lake was just one part of a wider emergency triggered by <strong>Typhoon Ragasa</strong>. Across Taiwan, more than <strong>7,600 people were evacuated</strong> as torrential rains caused flash floods, landslides, and transportation chaos. Schools and businesses in several regions were forced to close, while domestic flights faced disruptions.</p><p>Hualien, located on Taiwan’s eastern coast, bore the brunt of the storm. In Guangfu township, cars were left stranded in knee-deep mud, while residents could be seen sitting on rooftops to escape rising waters.</p><h3>Survivors Struggle with Aftermath</h3><p>For survivors, the battle has now shifted to recovery. Many are working tirelessly to clear thick mud from homes and businesses.</p><blockquote><p>“The mud was just too deep, too deep to dig out,” said Hsu Cheng-hsiung, who spent Wednesday shoveling sludge out of his home.</p></blockquote><p>Residents also expressed fears of another breach, as water levels in surrounding areas remain dangerously high.</p><h3>Taiwan’s Vulnerability to Typhoons</h3><p>Taiwan lies in the path of frequent <strong>tropical storms and typhoons</strong>, particularly from July to October. These storms bring heavy rainfall that often causes floods and landslides in mountainous regions like Hualien.</p><p>Earlier in July, <strong>Typhoon Danas</strong> swept across Taiwan, leaving two dead and injuring hundreds after dumping more than 50 centimeters of rain in southern areas over a weekend.</p><p>The latest disaster underscores the vulnerability of Taiwan’s aging infrastructure. Experts have long warned that older natural dams and barrier lakes, formed by landslides, pose a risk of sudden collapse during intense rain events.</p><h3>Government and Relief Efforts</h3><p>The Taiwanese government has mobilized the <strong>National Fire Agency, military forces, and local emergency units</strong> to lead rescue and relief efforts. President and top officials have pledged swift assistance to affected families, while disaster relief funds are being allocated to support rebuilding.</p><p>International aid groups and neighboring countries have also expressed readiness to assist Taiwan in managing the aftermath of Typhoon Ragasa.</p><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><p>For Taiwan, the tragedy in Hualien is a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. As climate change intensifies extreme weather patterns, experts warn that Taiwan must invest further in disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and early-warning systems to protect vulnerable communities.</p><p>For now, the focus remains on <strong>search-and-rescue operations</strong>, supporting survivors, and restoring essential services to towns devastated by the barrier lake’s collapse.</p>