At least 14 people have died and more than 150 remain unaccounted for in eastern Taiwan after a decades-old barrier lake collapsed in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Ragasa, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The lake, located in Hualien County, was formed years ago by a series of landslides that created a natural dam. On Tuesday, the dam wall gave way following heavy rainfall from the powerful typhoon, sending torrents of muddy water rushing through Mataian Creek, destroying a bridge and sweeping into nearby towns.
Residents described the scene as terrifying. “It was like a volcano erupting. The floodwater came roaring into the first floor of my house,” said Hsu Cheng-hsiung, 55, a community leader in Kuang Fu township.
According to the Hualien County Government, at least 18 people were also injured, while the National Fire Agency said search operations are ongoing for 152 missing persons.
Premier Cho Jung-tai, who visited the disaster site, expressed grief over the fatalities and pledged government support for affected communities.
“For the 14 lives lost, we must also ask why evacuation orders were not enforced earlier in this area. Our greatest concern now is the more than 100 people still missing,” he said.
Another resident, Yen Shau, 31, likened the incident to a scene from a disaster film. “An hour before the lake burst, people were still shopping in the local market. Within minutes, the water rose halfway up the first floor. The mud was too deep to dig out. I couldn’t sleep all night, fearing another collapse,” he recounted.
Emergency footage released by Taiwan’s fire agency showed streets under water, submerged vehicles, and uprooted trees. Authorities said more than 7,600 people across Taiwan were evacuated as Typhoon Ragasa lashed the island with intense rain and winds.
Taiwan, which frequently experiences tropical storms between July and October, has suffered multiple weather disasters this year.
In July, Typhoon Danas claimed two lives and left hundreds injured after dumping more than half a meter of rain in southern parts of the island.
