Hualien: A volunteer group consisting primarily of Indonesian construction workers traveled to Guangfu Township in Hualien County on Sunday to clear streets of mud and debris left by floodwaters, providing vital assistance to areas devastated by a barrier lake overflow.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Matai’an Creek barrier lake overran its dam last Tuesday after Typhoon Ragasa pounded eastern Taiwan with heavy rains. An estimated 60 million tonnes of muddy water rushed downstream into Guangfu Township, covering the streets with thick mud.

Huang Jung-tun, founder of the NGO Welldoer House, organized the cleanup campaign online, appealing for volunteers. Around 40 Indonesian workers and 10 Vietnamese workers, who work at construction sites in the country, answered the call, said Tsai I-yang, a Welldoer House member. Equipped with only helmets, rainboots, and shovels, they gathered at Hualien Station at 5 a.m. and departed for Guangfu.

Kholis Anwar, one of the Indonesian volunteers who works at an auto repair shop, said he wanted to express solidarity with those affected by the disaster. “I was free today (Sunday), so I made plans to help.” He described the scene upon his arrival, noting that the roads were still muddy, with some puddles, and most household items on the ground floor had been damaged beyond repair, with mud pouring into buildings.

Kholis shared that his interactions with locals were warm and appreciative. “They were happy [to see us] and did not forget to say ‘thank you’ to us and give us all a thumbs-up,” he stated.

Huang mentioned that Welldoer House has routinely distributed aid at fishing ports to migrant workers for nine years. He expressed hope that these actions could reduce discrimination against migrant workers in Taiwan and increase the public’s understanding and appreciation for their contributions to society.