In addition to the severe flooding in Guangfu, three villages in Fenglin Township have also suffered extensive damage, affecting 17 households. In response, the central government has swiftly designated the area as the eighth disaster relief zone.
Among the victims was a cattle farm owner who watched helplessly as over a hundred cows were swept away by the raging floodwaters, suffering an estimated loss of NT$16 million. Although about 70% of the farm has been restored, the road to full recovery remains long.
What used to be lush green farmland is now covered in thick black mud after the flood. A tractor lies half-buried, with only part of its frame visible above the sludge.
To speed up recovery, the government deployed heavy machinery to assist with cleanup operations in Fenglin. Most of the affected households have now cleared their homes, but roads and drainage systems remain clogged with mud and debris.
“The area where my cows were kept was right at the point where the floodwater came in,” said farm owner Lin Ming-ji. “When I saw that all my cows were gone, I just froze—my mind went blank.”
Lin explained that the cattle were scheduled for slaughter during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but the flash flood destroyed everything in minutes. Workers have since used high-pressure water jets to clean the mud, though much of the sediment continues to flow into nearby drains, requiring ongoing excavation.
Despite partial restoration, Lin said his team still faces a tough recovery process. He also voiced frustration over the lack of timely government response.
“At first, no one came to check on us. We fought on our own for five days before anyone showed up,” Lin said. “Even when we reported our needs, no one responded. I’ve been appealing to the Ninth River Management Office for three or four years to build a flood barrier, but every year, they tell me it’s unnecessary.”
As residents continue rebuilding their lives, many hope this disaster will finally push authorities to take river management and flood prevention more seriously.
