At least 14 people have lost their lives and more than 100 remain missing in Taiwan after heavy rains from Super Typhoon Ragasa caused a decades-old barrier lake to collapse, officials confirmed on Wednesday (Sep 24).

The powerful storm struck northern Philippines and Taiwan on Monday (Sep 22), bringing strong winds and nonstop rain. Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes as floodwaters rose.

In Hualien County, eastern Taiwan, the rains turned deadly when the barrier lake gave way on Tuesday (Sep 23). The sudden collapse unleashed a wall of water that washed away a bridge and tore through a nearby town, leaving widespread damage.

“As of 7 am Wednesday (2300 GMT Tuesday), 14 people are confirmed dead and 18 injured,” Hualien County press official Lee Kuan-ting told AFP. He added that rescuers were still searching for the missing. Taiwan’s National Fire Agency later revised the missing persons figure to 124.

Fire officials in Hualien reported that in some neighborhoods, the water rose as high as a two-story building. At least 263 residents were trapped in their homes and asked to stay in place until the water receded. Authorities said they were safe for now and would be evacuated later.

Video clips shared by the fire agency showed shocking scenes, roads turned into rivers, cars almost underwater, and trees uprooted.

Government data shows that more than 7,600 people across Taiwan were evacuated due to the storm. In Hualien, around 3,100 residents living near the creek were moved to safer areas before the rains hit, many finding shelter with relatives. Officials said these steps likely saved many lives.

Search and rescue teams remain on the ground, trying to reach areas cut off by the flood. Authorities have warned that the number of casualties could rise once more areas are cleared.

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