Emergency Response to Typhoon Ragasa, Taiwan

When Super Typhoon Ragasa struck eastern Taiwan, it triggered one of the most devastating floods the region has faced in years. On September 23, the barrier lake formed upstream of Matai’an Creek earlier in the year burst, sending a torrent of water and mud racing into Hualien County’s Guangfu Township.
In just 30 minutes, an estimated 15.4 million cubic meters of floodwater—equivalent to 6,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools—rushed downstream. Homes were buried, bridges collapsed, and families were forced to take shelter on their upper floors as floodwaters swallowed their streets.

By October 2, official reports confirmed 18 dead, 136 injured, and 6 still missing. Thousands were displaced, and entire neighborhoods were left caked in thick layers of mud.

Immediate Response on the Ground

The Mustard Seed Mission acted immediately. Teams dispatched essential supplies from Tainan, Taitung, and Hualien, while cooking centers and food trucks were set up to provide hot meals for those stranded by the flood.
Within the first week, more than 2,500 meals had been served to displaced families. At the same time, 270 volunteers joined the clean-up effort, helping to clear mud and debris from homes. By September 29, six houses had already been restored, ready for the next stages of repair.

Lanxiang’s Story: From Despair to Steady Ground

Among the many residents affected was Lanxiang, a single mother from Vietnam raising two daughters. Her small snack stall and feed shop were swallowed by the flood, leaving her without an income and her home in ruins.

Standing in the wreckage, Lanxiang felt completely lost. “If my snack stall can’t reopen, how will we live?” she said tearfully, surrounded by the mud and debris that had once been her family’s livelihood.

Then, over the weekend, a wave of volunteers arrived. With hovels in hand, they cleared out the thick mud, salvaging what they could, and helped Lanxiang and countless other victims rebuild their homes. With every load of mud carried away, the burden on her heart became lighter. Her house is not yet whole, but they are not facing this road alone.

Together Forward

The Mustard Seed Mission continues to stand beside families in Guangfu as recovery efforts progress. Beyond immediate clean-up, teams are assessing the repair of damaged homes, replacing essential appliances, and supporting vulnerable families in rebuilding their lives.
A care and learning center has also been established to provide children with a safe and stable space for emotional support and continuity of learning amid the aftermath.

Looking ahead, MSM is dedicated to helping communities rebuild with stronger resilience through a holistic recovery approach—combining career assistance, mental health counseling, and disaster preparedness training.

The road to recovery will be long, but no family should have to walk it alone. Your contribution can bring warmth to a home, a meal to a family, and hope to a whole community. Join us in rebuilding lives after Typhoon Ragasa. Every bit helps families in Hualien find safety, dignity, and the strength to begin again.

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