Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

During the city administration meeting on August 18, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin unveiled the city’s plan to provide a NT$5,000 emergency fund to each household in the disaster-struck town of Linbian in Pingtung County.

Hau noted that the emergency fund will cost the city government NT$30 million. The city government treats Linbian Township as one of Taipei’s administrative districts; it will assist the town in its rebuilding efforts. He promised that the emergency rescue teams will not leave the town until preliminary reconstruction work is completed.

He also reported that the account set up by the city government to accept donations for flood victims has reached NT$108 million; the city government will be more than happy to provide assistance should other disaster-struck areas request help.

The mayor reported that in addition to handing out emergency fund, Taipei City Government has supported relief and reconstruction efforts with 831 staff members, 253 vehicles, 43 boats/rafts, and 29 drainage pumps. The staff and equipments are assigned to operations in disaster areas of Tainan County, Chiayi County, Kaohsiung County, Pingtung County, and Taitung County.

Having visited the town, Hau recalled that many victims of the flood are without shelter and money. He believes that the most practical way to help these people is to utilize the donations, allowing the victims of the flood to buy necessities to cope with life in the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot.

Taipei will also offer 4,200 openings for students from the disaster areas, allowing them to continue their studies in Taipei. The city government will also shoulder the basic expense and tuition of these students.