Taiwan dispatches special forces to Hualien following Typhoon Ragasa

​TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Army Aviation and Special Forces Command dispatched a CH-47SD helicopter on Thursday to transport a search-and-rescue team to Danongdafu Forest Park in Guangfu Township, Hualien.

The team consisted of 19 personnel from the command’s 5th Battalion, two drone operators, and two life detector operators from the 53rd Engineer Group, Military News Agency reported. They were deployed under the Second Theater of Operations to carry out disaster relief and assist local governments in search-and-rescue operations following Typhoon Ragasa.

Ragasa caused severe flooding, leaving 14 dead. Forty-six are still missing, and 32 people were injured.

The Second Theater of Operations, which is responsible for Hualien’s defense and disaster relief, already deployed 448 soldiers on Wednesday along with AAV7 amphibious assault vehicles and other machinery. Personnel aim to reopen major roads and restore transportation routes.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) has instructed the Fourth Theater of Operations, which oversees southern Taiwan’s defense and disaster response, and the Marine Corps Command to dispatch additional troops and equipment.