The barrier lake in Hualien, Taiwan burst on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after heavy rains brought by Super Typhoon Ragasa. According to officials, 14 people were killed and 18 were injured, while 124 people are still missing.
A decades-old dam on the lake gave way, sweeping away a bridge and flooding Guangfu township. Residents said the water rushed into their homes, "like a volcano erupting."
A resident said that before the lake burst, many people were still in the supermarket and shops. Within minutes, the floodwaters reached the middle of the first floor. They had to shovel thick mud the next day.
According to authorities, more than ₱4.3 million worth of damage was reported and more than 7,600 people were evacuated in various parts of Taiwan. Strong typhoons are common in the country from July to October.
Photos from government agencies showed flooded roads, half-submerged vehicles, and fallen trees, giving a picture of the severe damage from typhoon Ragasa.
