Super Typhoon Ragasa barreled through the Taiwan region earlier this week, bringing torrential rain and fierce winds 🌬️☔. The region’s disaster response center confirms 14 fatalities, 18 injuries, and several people are still missing.
Hualien was hit hardest—Ragasa’s downpours caused the Mataian Creek barrier lake to breach. Think of a barrier lake like a natural dam: when debris blocks water flow, it builds up until it suddenly bursts, unleashing flash floods. This surge tore out a bridge and inundated Guangfu Township.
About 1,800 households received urgent evacuation orders 🚨. Residents of Taiwan packed up and moved to safe zones while rescue teams scoured the flood areas for missing neighbours.
The Taiwan authorities opened relief centres, offering food, clean water, and medical aid to evacuees. Power cuts and road closures are still disrupting daily life as crews work around the clock to restore services.
Climate experts warn that warmer seas can fuel stronger storms 🌍🔥. Ragasa’s impact is a wake-up call across South and Southeast Asia—from the monsoon plains of Bangladesh to the coastal towns of Vietnam—to invest in early warning systems and resilient infrastructure. Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s support each other during these extreme weather events.
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Typhoon Ragasa leaves 14 dead, 18 injured in China's Taiwan region
cgtn.com