Typhoon Ragasa Devastates Taiwan Barrier Lake Bursts

Typhoon Ragasa Devastates Taiwan Barrier Lake Bursts

Last Updated Sep - 24 - 2025, 06:12 PM | Source : Fela news

Super Typhoon Ragasa causes deadly lake burst floods homes over 260 stranded in Taiwan.

Super Typhoon Ragasa has unleashed catastrophic flooding in eastern Taiwan after heavy rains caused a decades-old barrier lake bursted. The collapse happen in Hualien County’s Mataian Creek region, sending surge of water into nearby towns and sweep away bridges and homes. Officials have confirm at least 14 peoples died, while 17 are now report missing, and 18 injuried.

In the immediately aftermath, rescue team rushed to assist around 260 individuals trap by floodwaters, some stranded in buildings where water had rised to the second floor. Many residents was moved to higher ground as the river swell without warning. One local, Hsu Cheng-hsiung, describe the scene: “the muddy floodwaters came roaring straight into first floor of my house.” The barrier lake in question formed years earlier due to landslide deposit. Under the weight of persisting rainfall, it finally gave away. The sudden flood wash out critical infrastructure, left whole neighborhoods flood, and raise concern about future safety near such natural dams.

Across Taiwan, the impact of the typhoon were broad: more than 7,600 peoples was evacuated as precaution. The storm had earlier batter northern Philippines before reaching Taiwan, bringing torrential downpours and strong wind that displaced communities. As search operation continue, authorities emphasize urgency: with many still unaccounted, every hours matter. The tragedy underline the risks posed by unmonitored barrier lakes, especially under climate-intensified storm pattern.

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