TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Ragasa caused a barrier lake overflow on the Mataian River (馬太鞍溪) that killed 17 people and left 17 missing in Hualien County's Guangfu Township (光復鄉). Search and rescue operations continue with teams from New Taipei City and other municipalities assisting local authorities. The disaster struck yesterday afternoon when the dammed lake upstream burst, inundating the rural township.
Firefighters conducted door-to-door searches overnight, rescuing missing persons based on incident reports. Residents began cleaning homes this morning but faced significant challenges from thick mud covering properties. Authorities broadcast emergency evacuation orders for Guangfu Township after suspecting a third dam overflow, forcing residents to abandon cleanup efforts and evacuate toward Ruisui (瑞穗).
The Hualien County Police Bureau (花蓮縣警察局) confirmed the third overflow at 11:52 a.m. and closed County Road 193 to all vehicles. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (林保署), Taiwan's forest management authority, reported ongoing upstream rainfall causing partial water flow but no new dam breaches based on visual and drone observations. Officials continue monitoring the unstable barrier lake situation. ◼