A recent calamity has struck Hualien County, Taiwan, as Super Typhoon Ragasa unleashed devastating rains, leading to catastrophic flooding in the township of Guangfu. According to local authorities, the overflow of a barrier lake in the mountains sent a torrent of water crashing into the town, resulting in at least 14 confirmed deaths and reports of 33 people still unaccounted for.
The Overflow Incident
The incident occurred on 24 September 2024 when the barrier lake, swollen from heavy rains, burst its banks. The lake was reported to hold approximately 91 million tonnes of water—enough to fill around 36,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. When it overflowed, a staggering 60 million tonnes of water were released, devastating the local community.
Impact on Residents
- Around 60 per cent of Guangfu’s population of 8,500 have opted for “vertical evacuation,” seeking shelter in higher floors of their homes.
- Village chief Wang Tse-an described the scene as chaotic, with many residents stranded and in need of supplies.
- Rescue operations are underway, as cities and counties across Taiwan mobilise teams to assist.
Historical Context
This disaster echoes the tragic events of Typhoon Morakot in 2009, which claimed around 700 lives and inflicted damages estimated at US$3 billion (S$3.8 billion). The current situation highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region to severe weather events, accentuated by climate change.
Government Response
As rescue efforts continue, the authorities work to locate those missing and provide necessary aid to affected residents. The government has adjusted its earlier death toll from 17 to 14, with earlier reports mistakenly counting some fatalities multiple times.
With the remnants of Super Typhoon Ragasa moving towards the southern Chinese coast and Hong Kong, there’s a pressing need for vigilance as recovery efforts unfold. More updates are expected as the situation develops.