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In the quiet township of Guangfu, residents are still reeling from one of Taiwan’s worst floods in years. On September 23, a massive surge of water, mud, and debris — more than 60 million tonnes — tore through the rural community, killing at least 18 people, injuring more than 100, and displacing hundreds of families.
The deluge was triggered by the collapse of the Matai’an River Barrier Lake, a natural dam formed deep in Hualien’s mountains after heavy typhoon rains. Lin Chih-ping, Chief Director of the Disaster Prevention and Water Environment Research Center, called it “one of the ten largest barrier lakes in the world” and “a ticking time bomb.”
He said experts had warned of the risk weeks earlier. “We knew roughly when it would overflow,” Lin explained. “We notified [officials] 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours in advance.” Despite those alerts, the disaster struck before many residents could evacuate.
For Guangfu resident Kulas Umo, the news came while he was working in Hualien City. “My father was at home,” he recalled. “When the water started flooding into the streets… everyone realized how bad it was.” His family fled toward nearby mountains as the floodwaters swallowed their neighborhood.
When Umo returned the next day, the scene was chaotic. “The church was filled with elderly people,” he said. “They had nowhere else to go.” Together with other young residents, he formed a self-help group that set up an aid station at Guangfu Elementary School.
“Today is the ninth day, and still no one from the government has come to take over,” he said at the time. “We gathered at the school, divided into groups, and delivered supplies to people trapped in their homes.”
Even amid the wreckage, Umo tried to salvage what he could. “This is my scooter. It’s still here,” he said quietly, looking at the mud-caked vehicle. “Losing both our home and the scooter — the financial loss is huge.”
But the emotional toll runs deeper. “Everyone’s protecting our village, protecting our home,” he said. “Everyone has been holding back their emotions.”
Other residents echoed his despair. “I grew up here. This is my hometown,” said Saway Nuku, holding back tears. “Even my wife’s uncle was swept away by the storm. He had no time to escape.”
Another resident, Yang Yuan-ching, said simply, “Everything was washed away. There’s nothing left.”
Help has poured in from across Taiwan and abroad. “When I first saw the news, I felt the need to come and help,” said a volunteer from Tunisia. Others came from Thailand and New Taipei City, bringing shovels, gloves, and determination. “I just thought, I’d come and help out,” one said.
Animal rescue teams also joined the effort. “We have a care team for the dogs, a supply team, and a rescue team,” said volunteer Li Chiang. “Sometimes we go into the disaster zone with veterinarians.”
The government deployed thousands of first responders and military personnel to clear roads, deliver aid, and stabilize the area. Yet many survivors still question whether early warnings and preparation were enough. “We did receive the alert,” said Nuku. “But when the dam collapsed, no one expected it to hit here.”
Despite the devastation, the people of Guangfu are finding ways to endure. Umo believes rebuilding will take “six months to a year,” but says preserving community culture is just as vital as restoring homes.
“As long as we’re still here,” he said, “we still have hope.”
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