TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) clarified public safety priorities Friday (Sept. 26) following criticism over evacuation comments. The controversy erupted after an official described flooding as "just some water at the doorstep; no big deal" during discussions about the Mataian Creek (馬太鞍溪) landslide dam disaster. Minister Liu's response addresses widespread public backlash over the perceived dismissive attitude toward evacuation challenges.
The Ministry of the Interior (內政部), Taiwan's domestic affairs agency, claimed Thursday that audio clips were taken out of context, creating public misunderstandings. The ministry expressed regret while Kuomintang (國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) criticized the response. Lo argued that opposition officials would face severe backlash for making similar dismissive comments about disaster evacuations.
The Ministry of the Interior assured rapid communication with Hualien County Government following the Central Emergency Operation Center (中央災害應變中心), Taiwan's national disaster response agency, meeting Saturday (Sept. 21). Officials sent formal notifications via fax that evening and emphasized that vertical evacuation strategies receive UNESCO recognition. The ministry stressed that local authorities bear legal responsibility for implementing evacuation notifications and procedures. ◼