TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's cabinet, the Executive Yuan (行政院), launched a post-disaster relief fund Tuesday (Oct. 7) offering up to NT$350,000 (around US$11,487) per household for Hualien County flood victims. Residents lined up early at Guangfu Township's (光復鄉) Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信公司) service station to apply for assistance following devastating floods from Matai'an Creek (馬太鞍溪) barrier lake overflow in late September.
Chen Chin-te (陳金德), minister in charge of the Public Construction Commission, a government infrastructure agency, told media the application period runs from Oct. 7 to 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Chen emphasized households unable to apply by the deadline could still seek assistance through county government or township offices, with budget available until next year's end. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Taiwan's head of government, instructed officials to simplify procedures and expedite fund disbursement.
The Ministry of the Interior (內政部) and seven other ministries, along with Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief (賑災基金會), have deployed personnel to verify applications village by village. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部), Taiwan's social services department, will disburse funds directly into affected households' accounts once confirmed. The government introduced a new housing repair relief fund in addition to existing support programs, allowing each household to receive a total of NT$350,000 (around US$11,487). ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.465)