A powerful super typhoon made landfall in Taiwan, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and loss of life, with over 60 centimeters of rain falling in just 24 hours.
Impact of the Typhoon
Super Typhoon Ragasa brought severe weather conditions to Taiwan, with sustained winds of over 200 km/h and heavy rainfall. The typhoon caused a lake, Mataian Creek, to overflow, releasing approximately 60 million tons of water, leading to flash flooding in the Hualien county.
Flood Devastation and Casualties
The flooding resulted in 14 deaths, 18 injuries, and 129 people reported missing. Over 5,000 residents took shelter on higher floors or elevated areas. Taiwanese Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai ordered an investigation into the slow evacuation process.
Eye-Witness Accounts
Residents described the flooding as sudden and catastrophic. “It was like a volcanic eruption,” said Hsu Cheng-hsiung, with muddy waters surging into homes. Another resident, Yen Shau, likened the scene to a disaster movie, recalling how water quickly rose to the first floor of buildings within minutes.