A landslide-dammed lake burst in Taiwan after Typhoon Ragasa, killing 14 and leaving 152 missing.

A barrier lake formed by landslides in Taiwan’s Hualien County burst Tuesday after heavy rains from Super Typhoon Ragasa, unleashing a surge of mud and water that killed at least 14 people and left 152 others missing. The lake, which had grown to 500 meters long and 1,650 meters wide behind a 120-meter natural dam, collapsed suddenly, destroying a bridge, flooding homes, and submerging streets in minutes. Residents described the event as sudden and catastrophic, with water rising rapidly. Over 7,600 people were evacuated across Taiwan due to the typhoon, which intensified risks during the region’s storm season. Authorities confirmed 18 injuries, and Premier Cho Jung-tai vowed to investigate why evacuation orders may not have been followed. The disaster highlights ongoing dangers from extreme weather and unstable terrain in the area.