TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛生福利部) reported Friday (Oct. 3) that donations for flood victims in Hualien's Guangfu Township (光復鄉) have reached NT$847,522,641 (around US$27.89 million), setting a new fundraising record. Typhoon Ragasa (颱風樺加沙) triggered floods by causing Matai'an Creek's (馬太鞍溪) barrier lake to overflow, severely disrupting lives and causing significant damage.
The Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief (賑災基金會), under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, has collected and distributed the funds. Launched Sept. 25, the campaign aims to raise NT$5 billion (around US$164.5 million). In a Thursday (Oct. 2) post, the foundation stated funds will be used solely for flood relief and promised transparency in financial reporting. Fundraising efforts will continue until Oct. 24 to address post-disaster reconstruction needs.
The foundation's primary focus is emergency relief and clearing affected areas. It pledged to avoid wasting funds on items covered by the public budget and to allocate money based on the level of need, prioritizing the most vulnerable. The foundation invites continued public support, acknowledging the long process of post-disaster reconstruction and the substantial remaining needs. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.39)