TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) pledged Friday (Sept. 26) that Taiwan's central government will fully fund temporary housing for residents displaced by catastrophic flooding in Guangfu Township (光復鄉). Military forces stand ready to begin debris removal operations pending approval from village chiefs and affected households following the Mataian Creek landslide dam overflow. The president emphasized government commitment to comprehensive disaster relief in the devastated eastern Taiwan township.
President Lai announced the central government will fully finance reconstruction of the Mataian Creek Bridge, emphasizing close collaboration with Hualien County authorities, the regional government overseeing the disaster zone. The president noted on Facebook that Guangfu Township remains mired in mud, with remote villages predominantly inhabited by elderly residents and children. These demographic challenges significantly complicate post-disaster cleanup operations in the mountainous region.
Military forces will deploy additional troops across affected districts Friday (Sept. 26), utilizing over 100 vehicles for debris removal operations and providing field shower equipment for disaster relief. President Lai stressed the urgency of clearing mud from main roads to restore vehicle access and create working space for residents cleaning their homes. The president visited the disaster zone Thursday (Sept. 25) for firsthand assessment and to offer condolences to victims. ◼