TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A landslide dam overflow from Mataian Creek (馬太鞍溪) killed 18 people and injured 121 in Hualien's Guangfu Township (光復鄉) on Thursday (Sept. 26). Thousands of volunteers dubbed "Shovel Heroes" (鏟子超人) arrived during the Teacher's Day holiday weekend to assist cleanup efforts, but many developed serious health complications from contaminated conditions.
The disaster created hazardous environmental conditions that sickened volunteers from across Taiwan who participated in relief efforts. Many reported fever and sore throat symptoms, with severe cases escalating to rhabdomyolysis requiring intensive care. Volunteers posted on the social media platform Threads about experiencing fever, cough, and diarrhea after returning home.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) warned of heightened infectious disease risks, including melioidosis, leptospirosis, and gastroenteritis in the disaster zone. CDC Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) emphasized that rain showers could worsen disease transmission due to uncleared sewage and sludge. Tseng advised volunteers to wear protective equipment, including rain boots, waterproof gloves, and masks.
Relief operations continue despite health risks, with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) targeting completion before the Moon Festival (中秋節). The Republic of China Army deployed 500 additional soldiers from the 6th Army Command on Monday (Sept. 30). Taiwan's military has deployed 2,493 soldiers to Guangfu, with numbers expected to exceed 3,000 by Wednesday (Oct. 1). ◼
