Super Typhoon Ragasa has claimed the lives of at least 14 people and left 124 others missing in eastern Taiwan after a barrier lake overflowed during heavy rainfall.
The disaster struck Guangfu Township in Hualien County when Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake, created by earlier landslides and debris, burst its banks. Most of the victims were elderly residents unable to flee as floodwaters surged into their homes.
Local officials confirmed that 34 people were also injured, while search and rescue teams are still working to locate those missing. Video clips circulating in Taiwan showed powerful currents sweeping through Guangfu, dragging away cars and collapsing a bridge. Many residents were forced to take refuge on rooftops as water levels rose, leaving behind mud and wreckage once the flood subsided.
The Central News Agency reported that the first overflow occurred early Tuesday morning, followed by a more destructive surge in the afternoon. Some parts of Hualien County recorded more than 700 millimeters of rainfall, while other towns in the south and east received between 500 and 600 millimeters.
Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te announced that government agencies and the military had been deployed to support rescue efforts and cleanup operations. He urged emergency workers to remain cautious as they carry out their duties.
The storm has also disrupted travel and infrastructure. More than 160 flights were cancelled at Taoyuan International Airport, mostly affecting connections with Hong Kong and Macau. Rail services and ferry routes were also suspended across different regions.
As Ragasa moved away from Taiwan, Hong Kong faced its impact. On Wednesday morning, the city’s weather service issued its highest “T10” typhoon warning as winds reached sustained speeds of 112 to 153 km/h, with gusts surpassing 184 km/h. Huge waves pounded coastal areas, flooding promenades and forcing the suspension of daily activities. Authorities also warned of potential landslides as heavy rain continued.
Air travel in Hong Kong was heavily affected, with more than 700 flights grounded. Schools and businesses were closed while residents sheltered indoors. Although the storm began to weaken later in the day, weather authorities cautioned that dangerous conditions would persist with ongoing showers and thunderstorms.
In mainland China, Guangdong province evacuated over one million people to safer areas as Ragasa approached. Officials said precautionary measures were taken to reduce the impact of the storm as it made its way across the southern coastline.