TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Deadly flooding in Hualien County has killed 15 people and left 31 missing as of Thursday (Sept. 25) afternoon. Rescue operations continue for the third day since Tuesday (Sept. 23) with 633 people rescued and 32 injured. Rescuers battle intermittent heavy rainfall and severe flooding in the ongoing disaster response.
Dam overflow breached the Matai'an Creek (馬太鞍溪) embankment, flooding Fozu Street (佛祖街), Vanilla Village (香草場部落), and Dunhou Road (敦厚路). Floodwaters reached depths up to half a meter, rising to adult height in some areas. Fozu Street remains inaccessible to rescuers with 50 search sites pending inspection due to elderly residents trapped.
Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) announced the Ninth River Management Branch continues exploring ways to reduce water inflow. Authorities established a disaster information platform allowing families to check accommodation and triage lists for loved ones. The military deployed CH-47SD helicopters carrying over 20 special forces soldiers and life detector operators from the 53rd Engineer Group. ◼