TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Volunteers mobilized Sunday (Sept. 28) to deliver essential supplies to disaster-stricken Hualien residents after transportation failures left three-fifths of Guangfu Township (光復鄉) cut off from county relief efforts. Hualien County Council Speaker Chang Chun (張峻) coordinated emergency distribution through Fu'an Temple (富安宮), which serves as a temporary warehouse for incoming aid supplies. The crisis response highlights critical gaps in Taiwan's disaster relief infrastructure following recent natural disasters.
Several youth volunteers from outside Hualien County also joined local efforts to pack essential supplies, including laundry detergent, instant noodles, and cleaning products. The Hualien County Council transformed Fu'an Temple into a distribution hub as large quantities of relief materials arrived from across Taiwan. These grassroots mobilization efforts demonstrate Taiwan's civil society response to address immediate disaster recovery needs.
Council Secretary-General Chen Te-hui (陳德惠) acknowledged that residents face severe challenges from disrupted utilities and muddy conditions, requiring a swift emergency response to affected areas. As of Sunday (Sept. 29), Hualien Mayor Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) announced that the county has received more than NT$71 million (around US$232,000) in donations, and all donations will go to the 1,800 disaster victims. The coordinated response reflects Taiwan's community resilience in addressing infrastructure breakdowns and humanitarian needs during natural disaster recovery.
Residents criticized distant supply stations and unclear accommodation subsidy information, demanding better communication from local authorities. Taipei's appliance industry raised over NT$6 million (around US$196,000) to provide free repair services and donate appliances to Hualien disaster victims. The private sector mobilization demonstrates Taiwan's cross-regional solidarity, with businesses stepping in where government relief efforts face logistical challenges.