AdvertisementAdvertisementSingaporeAn aerial image shows part of Guangfu township has been flooded after a barrier lake burst in Hualien on Sep 25, 2025, following torrential rain when Super Typhoon Ragasa skirted Taiwan. (Photo: AFP/I-Hwa Cheng)New: You can now listen to articles. This audio is generated by an AI tool.26 Sep 2025 03:06PM Bookmark Bookmark WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedInRead a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST SINGAPORE: Singapore has extended its condolences and sympathies to those in Taiwan who are affected by Typhoon Ragasa.Rescue workers on Friday (Sep 26) were still searching for 11 people after the super typhoon sent a wall of water into a small town on the island's east coast. The flood's death toll stood at 14."Singapore is saddened by the tragic loss of lives caused by the flooding in Guangfu Town, Hualien County in Taiwan," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Friday. "We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to those affected by Typhoon Ragasa and wish the injured speedy recovery," said a ministry spokesperson.MFA has also reached out to e-registered Singaporeans in the affected area and is in close contact with local authorities, it said.There are currently no reports of Singaporeans injured, the spokesperson added.The ministry encouraged Singaporeans who are in or travelling to Taiwan to purchase comprehensive travel insurance and to e-register with MFA.Singaporeans in Taiwan who require consular assistance may contact the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office.Taiwan rescuers battle thick mud to look for missing from Super Typhoon RagasaRains brought about by the typhoon caused a so-called barrier lake in the mountains to overflow on Tuesday and release a thick sludge of water and mud on the town of Guangfu.Barrier lakes are formed when rocks, landslides or other natural blockages make a dam across a river, normally in a valley, blocking and holding back water, hindering or even stopping natural drainage.While the flood waters have receded, the dark grey mud continues to blanket large parts of the area, creating problems for residents and rescuers alike.The Taiwan government has ruled out using explosives to break through the bank holding up the water, fearing it could bring more landslides and worsen the situation.Mountainous, sparsely populated and largely rural, Hualien is one of Taiwan's top tourist destinations.Source: CNA/Reuters/fh(rj)NewsletterWeek in ReviewSubscribe to our Chief Editor’s Week in ReviewOur chief editor shares analysis and picks of the week's biggest news every Saturday.Sign up for our newslettersGet our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inboxSubscribe hereGet the CNA appStay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best storiesDownload hereGet WhatsApp alertsJoin our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat appJoin hereAlso worth readingContent is loading...Expand to read the full storyGet bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST