When the floodwater came rushing down from the mountain, Awa and her husband tried to get to their car – but it was already too late. It was like a river outside and cars were floating. Everything started drifting, said the 42-year-old bookstore owner. The couple sought refuge on the second floor of their shop in Guangfu township, trying to save as many books as possible.
I'm still in shock. I just can't imagine how this could have happened, she said.
The destruction caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa took many Taiwan residents by surprise. Although the island was not directly in the storm's path, a barrier lake—formed from landslides in July—breached, resulting in widespread devastation. The mayor of Hualien claimed this was the main reason for the catastrophic damage after dangerous water levels surged down into populated regions.
Survivors like Awa expressed disbelief over the lack of warning from the authorities as the flood swept through. The swift, overwhelming water caused significant loss of life, particularly among the elderly, and inundated homes, uprooted trees, and demolished bridges. Many residents felt unprepared for the flood's ferocity, which some compared to a tsunami in its power.
Most affected were within the town of Guangfu, which had already experienced multiple natural disasters, including earthquakes and weaker typhoons. As environmental experts pointed to insufficient evacuation procedures, numerous locals urged for better communication about the dangers posed by such impending disasters.
While Awa and her husband managed to escape to safety, the communities in Hualien mourned the tragic losses and continued to navigate the challenges of recovery and rebuilding amid an ever-present threat of future natural disasters.
I'm still in shock. I just can't imagine how this could have happened, she said.
The destruction caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa took many Taiwan residents by surprise. Although the island was not directly in the storm's path, a barrier lake—formed from landslides in July—breached, resulting in widespread devastation. The mayor of Hualien claimed this was the main reason for the catastrophic damage after dangerous water levels surged down into populated regions.
Survivors like Awa expressed disbelief over the lack of warning from the authorities as the flood swept through. The swift, overwhelming water caused significant loss of life, particularly among the elderly, and inundated homes, uprooted trees, and demolished bridges. Many residents felt unprepared for the flood's ferocity, which some compared to a tsunami in its power.
Most affected were within the town of Guangfu, which had already experienced multiple natural disasters, including earthquakes and weaker typhoons. As environmental experts pointed to insufficient evacuation procedures, numerous locals urged for better communication about the dangers posed by such impending disasters.
While Awa and her husband managed to escape to safety, the communities in Hualien mourned the tragic losses and continued to navigate the challenges of recovery and rebuilding amid an ever-present threat of future natural disasters.
