Taipei: The Executive Yuan has approved draft amendments to a special act for post-disaster recovery, allocating an additional NT$25 billion (US$770 million) to expedite reconstruction efforts in Guangfu Township, Hualien County. This area was severely impacted by overflow from the Matai’an Creek barrier lake during Typhoon Ragasa on September 23.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Legislature had previously passed the special act in August, following significant flooding caused by Typhoon Danas in July. The act initially raised the budget ceiling from NT$56 billion to NT$60 billion. The newly approved amendments further increase the total recovery budget to NT$85 billion and extend the act’s implementation through December 31, 2028, with rehabilitation measures continuing until the end of 2030.
The additional funds will be directed towards five main areas: barrier lake monitoring and sediment control, resettlement of affected residents, drainage and road repairs, farmland restoration, and post-disaster waste cleanup. Specifically, NT$10.7 billion will be allocated for barrier lake management, NT$4 billion for water resource facilities, NT$3.25 billion for roads and transportation, NT$2.65 billion for housing and public works, NT$500 million for agricultural facilities, and NT$478 million for social and industrial recovery. A contingency fund of NT$3.42 billion has also been set aside.
Under the amendments, the Public Construction Commission of the Executive Yuan will oversee the special act, with respective central competent authorities serving as central implementing agencies. Local implementation will be conducted by municipal and county governments, as well as township, city, and district offices, including district offices of mountain indigenous areas under special municipalities.
Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized that the government declared all of Hualien County a disaster area on September 30, and the amended act provides the legal foundation for future funding related to barrier lake reconstruction. Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee stated that the amendments will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review, urging lawmakers for a swift evaluation, noting that revising the existing act is quicker and more efficient than creating a new one.
Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng, serving as chief coordinator at the Central Emergency Operation Center, reported that 89 households in Guangfu remain affected by mud and sediment, with 49 already cleared. Structural safety checks and surveys of residents’ housing preferences will follow to ensure new homes meet actual needs.
