In Guangfu township, residents are grappling with the aftermath of a remarkable flood that swept through following the breaching of a barrier lake after Super Typhoon Ragasa. Awa, a 42-year-old bookstore owner, described the harrowing moment when floodwaters rushed in, stating, It was like a river outside and cars were floating. Everything started drifting, as she sought refuge on the second floor of her shop with her husband.
Reports indicate that multiple lives were lost, particularly among the elderly trapped in their homes as the torrential waters surged. The unexpected breach of the lake, which formed after previous typhoons, unleashed around 91 million tonnes of water, comparable to the capacity of 36,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. According to local officials, the flood resulted in at least 14 confirmed deaths, with ongoing concerns about 46 missing persons.
Witnesses, including a local school administrator, conveyed frustration over the lack of adequate warnings from authorities. While the central government had issued instructions to evacuate approximately 7,000 people, the evacuation was termed 'not mandatory,' leading to confusion and unpreparedness among the residents of Guangfu. Without timely alerts, many people were caught off guard as the lake overflowed within mere minutes of the disaster striking.
Disaster experts noted that the kinetic energy of the water flow could rival that of a tsunami, with speeds surpassing even 100 km/h (62 mph). Survivors have emphasized the necessity for improved communication and better emergency preparedness, especially in communities with a significant elderly population who may not receive information promptly.
The community is now left to rebuild amid the devastation. Awa lamented the potential loss of rare books which were part of their mission of preserving Indigenous culture at the bookstore. As recovery efforts begin, residents work tirelessly to clear the mud and debris while grappling with their losses and looking ahead to a challenging road to recovery.
