TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Overflow from Matai'an Landslide Lake (馬太鞍溪堰塞湖) severed a major bridge in Hualien Tuesday (Sept. 23), trapping 71 people with two missing. The Central Emergency Operation Center (中央災害應變中心) reported 66 rescue cases as floodwaters devastated the region. Officials prepare highway rescue plans if Taiwan Railways (台鐵) infrastructure suffers damage from the disaster.
Typhoon Ragasa exacerbated conditions, prompting the CEOC to convene its eighth meeting Tuesday. The Ministry of Agriculture (農業部) reported the lake's water level changed at 2:30 p.m., causing rapid dam erosion. The Water Resources Agency (水利署) observed the bridge intact at 3:19 p.m. before losing signal due to floodwaters.
Floodwaters reached Guangfu Township (光復鄉), submerging areas up to one storey high and forcing vertical evacuations. Officials positioned machinery for embankment repairs once water recedes following the 4 p.m. peak flood. Authorities warned further heavy rain could create additional risks for the affected region.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (交通部) preemptively closed the bridge and established a command post following its destruction. Officials plan to outline rescue strategies and alternative routes by noon Wednesday (Sept. 24). Taiwan Railways suspended all Taitung Line (台鐵台東線) trains until midnight, with contingency plans announced at 9 p.m. if tunnels sustain damage.