These before-and-after pictures of Guangfu show the extent of cleanup efforts The flash flood caused by the collapse of the barrier lake at Hualien's Matai'an Creek caused destruction in downstream areas including Guangfu. For the past two weeks, a massive cleanup effort has unfolded there, with as many as 400,000 "Shovel Heroes" joining the operation. These heroes, along with small excavators, have been digging away all the mud they can, unearthing houses, pavilions, Buddha statues, and even ce

A devastating flash flood has left a trail of destruction in Hualien’s Guangfu Township. A barrier lake on the Matai’an Creek burst on Tuesday afternoon, sending a torrent of muddy water with debris rushing down into the town. At least 17 people have died, and dozens of others are injured or missing. Rescuers are rushing to free trapped residents, and cleanup efforts are getting started to clear the huge amount of debris left behind. #ragasa #hualien #river #typhoon #storm #rain #flood #disaster