TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Catastrophic flooding killed 14 people and left 124 missing in Taiwan's Hualien County, authorities said Wednesday (Sept. 24) morning. The Central Emergency Operation Center (中央災害應變中心), Taiwan's disaster response agency, reported the deaths occurred when Matai'an Creek (馬太鞍溪) barrier lake overflowed a day earlier. Typhoon Ragasa (樺加沙) triggered the disaster that severed bridges and submerged three villages in Guangfu Township (光復鄉).
Authorities discovered all 14 victims on the first floors of their homes and plan immediate autopsies. Deputy Commander Hsiao Huan-chang (蕭煥章) confirmed that all 124 missing persons have known addresses. Specialized search teams, military personnel, and rescue forces deployed to verify the status of missing residents throughout the disaster zone.
Rescue teams conduct door-to-door searches for missing residents as muddy conditions hinder vehicle access in Guangfu Township (光復鄉). Military, police, and firefighting personnel work around the clock to penetrate affected areas. Officials face significant challenges reaching survivors in the disaster zone due to impassable terrain conditions.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Taiwan's chief executive, ordered establishment of a forward coordination office for relief efforts. Vice Economic Affairs Minister Chien-Hsin Lai (賴建信) will assist Hualien County Government in disaster recovery operations. Emergency commander Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) previously evacuated 1,800 households totaling 8,500 people Monday (Sept. 22).