Taiwan has revised down the death toll from Super Typhoon Ragasa to 14, while 33 people remain missing after the storm’s outer bands triggered devastating floods in the eastern county of Hualien. The fire department explained that some victims were mistakenly counted twice in earlier reports, which initially placed the death toll at 17.
The disaster unfolded when heavy rainfall from Ragasa caused a mountain barrier lake to overflow, releasing a powerful surge of water that swept through the small town of Guangfu. Entire neighborhoods were inundated, and local residents reported that the floodwaters struck with little warning, leaving families trapped and houses destroyed. Emergency teams have been struggling to reach remote areas.
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Authorities said the number of people missing has been significantly reduced from 152 reported on Wednesday to 33 on Thursday. Officials noted that many individuals had initially been out of contact due to power outages and blocked roads, but most have now been located safely. The search continues for those still unaccounted for.
Rescue operations have been hampered by damaged infrastructure, including collapsed roads and bridges, which are making it difficult for emergency teams to deliver aid. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift stranded residents, while army personnel are assisting in clearing debris and restoring communication lines. Relief camps have also been set up to shelter displaced families.
Government officials have urged people in high-risk areas to remain cautious as the threat of further landslides remains high due to saturated soil in mountainous regions. Weather experts warn that although Ragasa has moved away from Taiwan, its lingering effects could still trigger more localized flooding and disruptions.
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The typhoon, one of the most powerful storms to hit Taiwan in years, has drawn international attention, with neighboring countries monitoring its path closely. As Taiwan focuses on recovery efforts, the government has vowed to strengthen disaster preparedness and rebuild affected communities, stressing that the safety of citizens remains its top priority.