Hualien: Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that the government will provide NT$1 million (US$32,810) in condolence payments to the families of the 17 individuals who lost their lives in recent severe flooding in Hualien County, located in eastern Taiwan.

According to Focus Taiwan, the flooding resulted from heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Ragasa, which triggered an overflow of the Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake on Tuesday. The floods severely impacted Hualien’s Guangfu, Wanrong, and Fenglin townships, claiming 17 lives and leaving seven people missing as of Sunday. The disaster has left a trail of mud and debris across the affected areas.

During an inspection of the disaster-struck region on Sunday, Premier Cho explained that the government initially set compensation at NT$800,000 per family of the deceased, with funds sourced from the central government and the Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief. However, this amount was subsequently increased to NT$1 million.

In addition to the financial assistance, the Hualien County government will implement its own support programs for the families of the victims, Cho stated. Furthermore, the central government will offer up to NT$250,000 in compensation to those injured in the disaster, based on the severity of their injuries.

Regarding compensation for property damage caused by the floods, Premier Cho indicated that the central government will allocate NT$100,000 per affected household, particularly in the heavily impacted Guangfu Township.

Cho also assured that search operations for the seven missing individuals will persist. The government has initiated the “Safe Housing, Government Pays” program, aiming to restore basic living conditions within 14 days following the disaster.