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MORAKOT: THE AFTERMATH: Survivors tell of narrow escapes from landslides

“I thought it was an earthquake. I rushed out of the house with my daughter in my arms. The house was washed into the center of the rice field, but my older brother was gone.” — Hsieh Kun-nan, resident of Liukuei Township

Rescuers who reached mountainous areas in Chiayi County on Monday brought back traumatic stories of close escapes and casualties.

Deng Chung-jung (鄧鐘榮), a 63-year-old man who had been reported as missing, survived the mudslides that wiped out his house.

Deng, who was still shaking as he recalled his brush with death, said he and his family ran out of his house after hearing a thunderous sound.

His brother Deng Shun-ming (鄧順明), 66, was carrying their 86-year-old mother Deng Tang Chun-lan (鄧湯春蘭) on his back when mud overcame them, Deng Chung-jung said.

Deng Chung-jung said he tried to call for emergency help from his neighbor’s house, but the reception was too poor to communicate.

Deng Chung-jung returned to his home to look for his mother and brother. His brother was later found dead, while his mother remains missing.

In Kaohsiung County, a resident of Liukuei Township (六龜) narrowly escaped a landslide.

“I thought it was an earthquake. I rushed out of the house with my daughter in my arms. The house was washed into the center of the rice field, but my older brother was gone,” said Hsieh Kun-nan (謝坤南).

The house was destroyed.

His brother’s house was also wiped out by a mudslide.

Two hours later, a local rescue team removed the debris and found Hsieh’s brother, Hsieh Kun-feng (謝坤鋒), still alive.

Hsieh Kun-feng had been buried under two walls and was lying with shattered glass centimeters away from his face.

An ambulance that took Hsieh Kun-feng to a nearby clinic had to make a detour because the Liukuei Bridge had collapsed, Hsieh Kun-nan said.

But they were unable to find any medical help when they arrived, while the roads to nearby Cishan Township (旗山) were cut off, Hsieh Kun-nan said.

Hsieh Kun-nan said that although he lost his house and car, he and his brother were happy to be alive.

“Surviving is what really matters,” he said.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY WANG SHAN-YEN AND LIAO YAO-TUNG
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