Severe Flooding in Eastern Taiwan After Dam Violation

A dam violation in eastern Taiwan prompted thousands to flee their homes on Tuesday as rivers swelled, destroying the Matthaian River bridge and causing significant flooding due to Super Typhoon Ragasa.

Footage captured by local residents and officials displayed the intense flooding in Guangdong, Fireníen, triggered by torrential rain from the typhoon. The bridge collapsed Tuesday afternoon as the floods swept through the area. Videos clearly show the bridge giving way, followed by torrents of water, with audible panic among bystanders during the event. Taiwanese media covered the disaster extensively, and clips shared by Reuters indicate the river was rapidly filling with rainwater.

In the wake of the disaster, authorities declared a state of emergency, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents nearby. They were moved to local high schools, as reported by Taiwan News Plus. Officials urged people in three townships to either evacuate or seek higher ground swiftly. Just before the bridge’s destruction, it had already been closed for safety reasons.

The typhoon, which initially struck the southern Philippines, progressed towards China’s Guangdong province. Tragically, at least 30 people have lost their lives, and around 150,000 individuals have been displaced by the intense impact of neighboring Typhoon Gaemi.

Typhoon Ragasa is noted for its consistent winds of approximately 134 mph, with gusts experienced in Panzan Island from Cagayan, Philippines, on Monday afternoon, as reported by the Associated Press. The storm has since moved over Karajan Island and affected northern areas of Apayao Province.

More than 8,200 people were evacuated in the Philippines’ Cagayan region, with an additional 1,220 seeking refuge in Apayao. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a suspension of government work and classes in the capital and 29 northern provinces on Monday.

In Shenzhen, China, officials are preparing to relocate around 400,000 residents from flood-prone areas. The city’s airport has already announced the suspension of flights starting Tuesday night.

Cathay Pacific Airways in Hong Kong has also halted passenger flights, anticipating over 500 cancellations after 6 PM on Tuesday. Additionally, schools in both Hong Kong and Macau will remain closed for two days.

The country’s weather agency has warned of potential coastal flooding approaching 10 feet in northern Philippines, while Chinese authorities have cautioned that the typhoon could make several landfalls in Guangdong Province.