Typhoon Ragasa leaves 17 dead in Taiwan

TAIPEI -- A barrier lake overflow triggered by heavy rain from Typhoon Ragasa had left 17 dead, 32 injured, and 17 missing in Taiwan as of 4 pm Wednesday, according to local authorities.

The barrier lake burst on Tuesday afternoon in the island's eastern Hualien county. The floods triggered by the burst have now receded.

Most of the victims were found in Guangfu township in Hualien, mainly elderly residents. The fatalities were initially believed to be due to delayed evacuation.

As of Wednesday noon, more than 5,000 people had been evacuated from Guangfu township, Wanrong township, Fenglin township and other areas of Hualien. About 20 shelters had been set up, currently housing over 700 people.

A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday mourned the victims killed by the barrier lake burst and sent condolences to their families and the injured.