Super Typhoon Ragasa: 14 die, 124 missing in Taiwan after barrier lake bursts
At least 14 people have died and 124 are missing in Taiwan after a barrier lake burst in Hualien County due to heavy rain caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa. This disaster has caused towns in eastern Taiwan to be covered in mud and debris, while the storm continues to affect southern China and Hong Kong.
The barrier lake, located in a hilly area, broke on Tuesday, releasing a huge amount of water that destroyed a bridge and flooded the township of Guangfu. The water rose very quickly, leaving streets filled with thick mud.
The lake held about 91 million tonnes of water, and around 60 million tonnes flooded out. About 5,200 people, which is 60% of Guangfu’s population, moved to higher floors of their homes or evacuated to shelters.
Many people are stranded
Many people are stranded because roads were washed away and bridges fell down. Hualien County officials confirmed 14 deaths and 18 injuries, and the National Fire Agency reported 124 people missing. The government has sent 340 troops to help with rescue efforts, using special vehicles to deliver emergency supplies like food and water directly to people in need.
Hong Kong issues top level alert
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory issued the highest warning level, Hurricane Signal No. 10, at 2:40 a.m as Ragasa whirlv by.
It was only the second time this year that such a high alert was given, the last being for Typhoon Wipha on July 10. Before this, Hong Kong hadn't issued a No. 10 signal in one year since 1964.
Typhoon Ragasa brought heavy rain and strong winds of over 118 km/h. By 8 a.m. on Wednesday, the government received 169 reports of fallen trees and one report of a mudslide.
Hospitals treated 19 people for injuries related to the typhoon. There were also 49 emergency shelters open across Hong Kong, which housed 747 people.
By 9 a.m., Ragasa was located 130 km south-southwest of Hong Kong and was moving westward toward Guangdong Province at a speed of 22 km/h.