Taipei: The Taipei-headquartered Central News Agency (CNA) has selected Taiwan's 10 biggest news stories of 2025, with the "shovel heroes" who flocked to Hualien after a barrier lake flood claimed 19 lives topping the list. CNA editors compiled the list from news published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 27.
According to Focus Taiwan, the most significant event was the aftermath of the Matai'an Creek Barrier Lake flood in Hualien County. Driven by rainfall from Typhoon Ragasa, the floodwaters overflowed into Guangfu Township on September 23, destroying the Matai'an Creek Bridge and resulting in the deaths of 19 people. The disaster left neighborhoods covered in mud and debris, prompting a response from volunteers, known as "shovel heroes," who came from across Taiwan and other countries to assist in the cleanup efforts. Private donations for disaster relief in Hualien reached nearly NT$1.4 billion (US$45.57 million).
Another major event of 2025 was the violent incident at MRT Taipei Main Station on December 19. A 27-year-old individual named Chang Wen threw several smoke grenades inside the station, subsequently stabbing and killing a 57-year-old commuter, Yu Chia-chang, who tried to intervene. Shortly afterwards, Chang moved to the area outside Eslite Spectrum Nanxi near MRT Zhongshan Station, where he attacked multiple people throughout the department store. The tragic event concluded with Chang falling from the sixth floor, resulting in his death. The total casualties from the incident were three dead and 11 injured.