Hualien: Donations to the relief fund for residents affected by floods in Hualien County have exceeded NT$900 million (US$29.6 million). The Ministry of Health and Welfare reported this development on Saturday, revealing the significant support received since the fund’s establishment on September 25. The fund aims to aid approximately 1,800 households in Guangfu Township, which faced severe flooding on September 23 due to the overflow of the Matai’an barrier lake.
According to Focus Taiwan, the relief fund has accumulated more than 252,000 donations, amounting to NT$931.28 million as of Friday. Contributions can be made through various channels including LINE Pay, convenience store kiosks, and money transfers at post offices and banks until October 24.
Volunteers from different parts of Taiwan have been actively participating in recovery efforts in Guangfu. Around 100 teachers and students from New Taipei have been involved in cleanup operations at two heavily damaged schools: National Kuangfu Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School and Guangfu Junior High School. The New Taipei City Education Department has been instrumental in these efforts, also providing essential cleaning equipment such as high-pressure washers, hoses, and extension cords.
Chang Ming-wen, head of the New Taipei Education Department, emphasized the importance of restoring safe and clean learning environments to resume classes swiftly. Reflecting on the city’s own experiences with natural disasters, Chang highlighted the challenges of post-disaster recovery and the commitment to aiding Guangfu.
Active-duty military personnel and cadets have also joined the recovery work, focusing on clearing mud and debris from the streets. President Lai Ching-te, during his inspection of the relief operations on Sunday, stressed the need for continuous monitoring of water levels. He advocated for the construction of a temporary barrier, riverbed dredging, and enhanced emergency evacuation plans. He also pressed search and rescue teams to intensify efforts to locate the six residents still missing following the disaster.
