Super Typhoon Ragasa caused the Matai’an Stream landslide dam to overflow, resulting in widespread flooding across Guangfu, Wanrong, and Fenglin townships in Hualien, eastern Taiwan. On November 20 and 22, Tzu Chi social workers and volunteers conducted home visits to more than 50 households in the severely affected areas of Mingli Village and Changqiao Village. They provided care packages and relief funds, and assessed the damage and the residents’ immediate needs.

Assessing the damage and providing comfort

The typhoon left many homes damaged or destroyed, forcing numerous families to relocate. Tzu Chi had already been supporting vulnerable households in the area before the overflow occurred. After the disaster, volunteers worked with local government offices and village chiefs to understand the changing needs of affected residents. As transportation gradually reopened, Tzu Chi teams resumed visits to offer support and carefully document households that required continued assistance.

During a home visit, Mr. Chao from Mingli Village expressed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you very much. We will always maintain a healthy mindset.” Another resident, Mr. Shen, whose home and workshop were both damaged, expressed his gratitude and shared that the relief funds would help him repair his home and purchase essential items for his children.

Chief Wan-Cheng Lin (林萬成) of Mingli Village explained that about 31 households in the middle section of the village were primarily affected by the disaster. Although this area was not originally designated for evacuation, he advised residents to stay alert due to ongoing safety concerns.

Chief Lin and his son had been monitoring the river conditions. After learning that the levee had overflowed, he immediately began evacuating residents. Some villagers had to leave in the middle of dinner and later returned briefly to switch off their stoves. Chief Lin expressed gratitude for the support from various organizations but noted that many homes were still in disarray and the risk of additional overflows remained, so he suggested holding off on material donations for the time being. He also shared that the county government and military were providing assistance, but many affected areas still lacked electricity, and some residents were relying on temporary basic water supplies.

Navigating temporary living

With guidance from Chief Lin and local residents, Tzu Chi volunteers moved through the affected areas to reach individual households. Many residents described their current living arrangements. Some were temporarily placed in B&Bs by the county government through the end of November, with a possible extension. However, these accommodations often lack cooking facilities, leaving residents dependent on takeout meals.

Ms. Huang, whose home near the village’s main waterway was destroyed by the flood and later demolished for debris removal, is among those temporarily staying in a B&B. While grateful for the arrangement, she is concerned about finding a long-term place to live once it ends. She noted that Tzu Chi’s care packages, which included instant food, and the relief funds were especially helpful. “The relief funds can be used for future rent and daily necessities,” she said.

Ms. Chen shared the challenges she has faced since the disaster. “We’ll take it one step at a time,” she said. “I need to work, care for my mother, and clean the house. I've been quite emotional, and it makes things difficult.” She recalled that after the flooding, the area was initially inaccessible due to mud and rocks, requiring military assistance for clearing. Worried about the possibility of future overflows, Ms. Chen plans to save the relief funds from the county government and Tzu Chi for rebuilding only when it is truly safe to do so.

Tzu Chi’s continued support offers not only material assistance but also a sense of stability and hope as these communities begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.

Written by Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙)

Source: 關懷馬太鞍溢流災戶 花蓮慈濟安心家訪