Taiwan Faces Search After Typhoon Floods Eastern Region

Intermediate | September 30, 2025

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Devastation in Hualien County

Late in September, Super Typhoon Ragasa unleashed torrential rains across Taiwan’s eastern mountains. In Hualien County, the downpour caused a barrier lake — formed by landslides earlier this summer — to burst its banks, sending a wall of water into local villages. The fire department reported that around 30 people remain missing after the disaster. This tragic event is at the center of what many are calling the Taiwan typhoon missing 30 crisis. (Reuters)

In the aftermath, local officials confirmed 14 deaths, revising earlier estimates upward after careful accounting. (Reuters) Many who went missing may have been caught in flash flooding or buried by mud and debris.

How the Flood Unfolded

The Barrier Lake Breaks

The lake was created when previous landslides blocked a valley, forming a natural dam. As heavy rain from Ragasa poured into the area, pressure built until the dam overflowed. Satellite imagery suggests that about 60 million tons of water were released in the flood, overwhelming downstream communities. (Reuters)

Rapid Flooding and Destruction

Once the barrier burst, water rushed down the slopes like a flash flood. It wrecked bridges, swept away vehicles, and flooded whole neighborhoods. Residents described feeling as though they had “no time to escape.” (Reuters)

In Guangfu township, local buildings were submerged, roads washed out, and access routes cut off. Rescue teams had to navigate mudslides and blocked paths to reach those trapped. The scale of the Taiwan typhoon missing 30 disaster became clearer with each passing day. (Reuters)

What the Authorities Are Doing

Large-Scale Search

Taiwan’s fire and rescue services launched a large-scale search effort across Hualien’s mountainous terrain. Air, ground, and local volunteers have joined forces to locate survivors. (The Guardian)

Revising the Numbers

Officials also revised missing counts as more people were located or reclassified. The earlier figure of 152 missing was later reduced to 33 as clearer data emerged. (Reuters)

Relief and Recovery

Relief efforts include setting up shelters, distributing food and clean water, and stabilizing slopes at risk of further collapse. (Reuters)

Impacts and Broader Risks

Local Damage

This tragedy touches more than local lives. Homes, agriculture, and infrastructure in the region were hit hard. The flood exposed gaps in disaster warnings and response times in remote terrain.

Climate Concerns

Climate scientists warn that warming skies are fueling stronger storms such as Ragasa, which make such catastrophic flooding more likely. Taiwan’s mountainous geography means that heavy rains can quickly translate into dangerous landslides and flash floods. (Reuters)

Vocabulary

Barrier lake (noun) — a natural lake formed when landslide debris blocks a valley or river.
Example: “The barrier lake in the mountains burst after heavy rain.”
Torrential (adjective) — extremely heavy (in relation to rainfall).
Example: “The typhoon delivered torrential rain that flooded many areas.”
Flash flood (noun) — sudden flooding caused by heavy rainfall overwhelming an area.
Example: “A flash flood destroyed the bridge in a matter of minutes.”
Mudslide (noun) — rapid flow of water and earth down a slope.
Example: “Mudslides blocked the rescue route into the village.”
Revise (verb) — to change or correct (a report or estimate).
Example: “Authorities revised the number of missing to 33 after verifying records.”
Subdivision (noun) — a smaller area or part of a larger region (e.g. township).
Example: “Guangfu subdivision was mostly submerged in the flooding.”
Shelter (noun) — a place giving protection (often after disaster).
Example: “Evacuees stayed in temporary shelters inland.”
Landscape (noun) — the visible features of an area of land.
Example: “The mountain landscape aggravated the speed of the floodwaters.”
Stabilize (verb) — to make firm, steady or less likely to collapse.
Example: “Workers tried to stabilize slopes at risk of further slides.”
Catastrophic (adjective) — causing great damage or destruction.
Example: “The barrier lake break was a catastrophic event for the town.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What caused the flooding in Hualien County?
Why did the barrier lake break, and what role did prior landslides play?
How did local geography affect the damage and rescue efforts?
What steps are authorities taking to find survivors and assist affected communities?
What are long-term risks that climate change poses for Taiwan in events like this?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How well do you think regions with complex geography (mountains, valleys) can prepare for disasters?
What measures should governments take to warn and evacuate people in remote areas?
How does climate change influence the frequency of severe storms?
When a disaster strikes, how important is infrastructure resilience (roads, bridges, drainage)?
How can communities recover not just physically but economically and psychologically?

Idiom / Phrase

“On thin ice” — being in a dangerous or risky situation.
In this case, vulnerable communities were “on thin ice” when the barrier lake gave way and floodwaters poured through with little warning.

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This article was inspired by Reuters: Taiwan reports 30 missing in east of island after typhoon. Also refer to Reuters’ reporting on the lowered death toll and revised missing figures after Typhoon Ragasa. (Reuters)