"Fourteen people have been killed and 124 are missing in eastern Taiwan after a barrier lake burst its banks amid heavy rains brought on by Super Typhoon Ragasa. Most of the dead were elderly people who were unable to escape the rising floodwaters from Matai'an Creek Barrier Lake in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, the Hualien County Fire Department said on Wednesday."
"The CNA reported that the lake, which was formed by debris dislodged by previous rains, overflowed on Tuesday morning, followed by a much larger surge in floodwater at about 4:30pm local time (08:30 GMT). Video footage shared by Taiwanese media showed fast-moving waters surging through Guangfu Township, dragging vehicles and destroying a bridge. The CNA reported that many people took shelter on their roofs until floodwaters receded, leaving mud and debris in their wake."
"Some parts of Hualien County on Taiwan's rugged east coast received upwards of 700mm of rainfall, while towns in the south and east were hit by 500-600mm of rain, according to the CNA. Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te said in a Facebook post late on Tuesday that all government ministries and the military had been mobilised to help with the emergency response and disaster cleanup. Everyone must remain vigilant."
A barrier lake formed by debris burst its banks in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, after heavy rains from Super Typhoon Ragasa. Fourteen people were killed, most of them elderly, and 124 remain missing. Thirty-four people were injured and rescue operations are ongoing. The lake overflowed on Tuesday morning and a larger surge struck around 4:30pm, sweeping vehicles, destroying a bridge and forcing residents onto roofs. Some areas received up to 700mm of rain. The president mobilised government ministries and the military to assist with emergency response and disaster cleanup.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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