The Mataian River Bridge in Hualien collapsed Tuesday after severe flooding caused by Typhoon Ragasa. Consequently, residents faced trapped vehicles, and floodwaters swept through nearby areas. The Mataian River Bridge incident exposed the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Moreover, officials warned that unstable terrain around the river may trigger renewed flooding.
Heavy rainfall caused a landslide dam to overflow, subsequently leading to the bridge’s destruction. Water began spilling over the dam at 2:50 p.m., and by 2:58 p.m., river levels surged against the Mataian River Bridge. As a result, floodwaters struck the bridge piers at 3:24 p.m., breaking the deck into multiple sections. Residents quickly captured the collapse on their smartphones, while emergency teams rushed to assess damage.
Meanwhile, drone footage on Wednesday showed torrents still surrounding the site. Only isolated bridge supports remain, and traffic along the Guangfu section of Provincial Highway 9 remains cut off. Therefore, authorities stressed the urgency of restoring this vital transportation link.
The barrier lake behind the dam spans roughly 50 hectares and holds an estimated 23 million tonnes of water. Between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. Wednesday, rainfall totaled 219 millimeters in the catchment area. Experts warned that unstable geology could cause further blockages or overflow events, complicating recovery efforts.
In response, Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai ordered the Directorate General of Highways to build a temporary detour by October 15. This detour will allow ambulances and supply vehicles to access affected areas. In addition, plans include a temporary steel bridge by next February and a permanent bridge by the end of next year to restore full highway access.
Officials emphasized that the Mataian River Bridge collapse highlights Taiwan’s broader infrastructure vulnerabilities. Civil engineers noted that barrier lakes can form rapidly in mountainous regions after typhoons, therefore putting bridges at high risk. Authorities added that monitoring and early-warning systems will remain crucial during the rainy season.
Local residents voiced concerns over delayed access and emergency response. Meanwhile, emergency teams continue to provide aid and assess risks around the river. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area until reconstruction is complete.
Looking forward, the government aims to prevent further disruptions by accelerating construction projects. While temporary roads and bridges remain the immediate priority, officials are reviewing long-term flood mitigation strategies. Overall, the Mataian River Bridge collapse serves as a stark reminder of extreme weather impacts on critical infrastructure.
