Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake overflow triggers destructive flooding in Hualien County, Taiwan
At least two people died and three remain missing after Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake overflowed twice on September 23, 2025, in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, Taiwan. Nearly 300 people were stranded as floodwaters caused widespread destruction, following early evacuation of about 10 000 residents on September 22.
Two people died and three others remain missing after heavy rains produced by Super Typhoon Ragasa caused the Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake to overflow on September 23, in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, Taiwan.
The dark brown floodwaters, laden with mud and debris, smashed into the Matai’an Creek Bridge at 14:50 local time (06:50 UTC), bringing it down and washing away the embankment.
Residents in the area scrambled to higher ground, clinging to utility poles, walls, and rooftops as the floodwaters surged higher.
The floodwater swept away multiple vehicles, including military trucks, along Provincial Highway 9. A second, larger surge occurred around 16:30 LT (08:30 UTC), prompting additional evacuation warnings for nearby areas.
Rescue teams from Taipei, New Taipei, and Taitung County, along with private search-and-rescue units, had been dispatched with boats and water-rescue equipment.
The Guangfu Station and nearby railway lines were also flooded, halting train operations and causing the temporary closure of some bridges and roads in the area.
Officials have urged residents to move to the upper levels of their homes if possible, while search and rescue teams are prioritizing those trapped at ground level.
By 19:00 LT (11:00 UTC), the Hualien County Fire Department confirmed two flood-related deaths and reported that hundreds remained stranded.
Approximately 10 000 Hualien residents had been evacuated earlier on September 22, according to the Central Emergency Operation Center.
The agency had issued mandatory evacuations for some 1 800 homes in the region, and red-flagged the Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake area as Typhoon Ragasa approached.
The lake that formed earlier this year has an overtopping volume of 86 million m3 (3 billion feet3).
The Hualien County government announced the suspension of work and classes in Guangfu Township on September 24 to allow recovery and cleanup. The sea warning for Typhoon Ragasa was lifted earlier the same day, although some ferries and flights were canceled.
Ragasa is now moving toward China. Landfall is expected near Yangjiang just after 09:00 UTC on September 24, with maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h (110 mph).
After that, Ragasa is forecast to take a more westvard trajectory into northern Vietnam and Laos on Septmeber 25.
Feature image credit: CNA Focus Taiwan
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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