Typhoon Ragasa Triggers Fatal Lake Barrier Burst in Taiwan

At least 14 individuals lost their lives following the burst of a decades-old lake barrier in Hualien County, Taiwan, as the region faced the aftermath of Super Typhoon Ragasa. The typhoon struck on July 3, 2023, unleashing torrential rains and strong winds that prompted widespread evacuations across the island.

The lake barrier failure occurred on Tuesday, resulting in severe flooding that washed away a bridge and inundated parts of a nearby town. As of 7 a.m. local time on Wednesday, July 4, officials confirmed the fatalities and reported that 18 people sustained injuries. According to Lee Kuan-ting, a spokesperson for the Hualien County Government, rescuers were actively searching for approximately 30 individuals initially reported missing. The National Fire Agency later revised the number of missing persons to 124.

Witness accounts revealed that floodwaters surged to the second floor of some homes, leaving around 263 residents stranded. Fortunately, these individuals were not in immediate danger and were advised to remain in place until the waters receded. Dramatic footage released by the fire agency depicted flooded streets and partially submerged vehicles, with uprooted trees adding to the chaos.

The impact of Typhoon Ragasa extended beyond Hualien, prompting the evacuation of more than 7,600 people across Taiwan. Prior to the typhoon’s arrival, around 3,100 residents had been evacuated to stay with relatives near the affected creek areas in Hualien.

Taiwan is no stranger to tropical storms, particularly from July to October. Earlier this month, Typhoon Danas caused significant disruption, resulting in two fatalities and hundreds of injuries after dropping over 20 inches of rain in southern regions during a single weekend.

As recovery efforts continue in Hualien, local authorities remain focused on assessing the full extent of the damage and ensuring the safety of those affected.