NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Residents of two tilted buildings in Sanchong, New Taipei, were permitted to return home on Thursday (Feb. 29) following inspections by relevant authorities.
The structures, deemed safe by the city, civil engineers guild, and police, had their caution tapes removed at 8:30 a.m.
Despite the clearance, some residents expressed reluctance to return due to the buildings' continued tilt.
Nineteen out of 28 households have gone back to their homes. The buildings tilted on Tuesday evening during nearby construction work.
Eighty-three residents were evacuated that day, with firefighters subsequently checking gas and electricity supplies for safety.
Each household was offered NT$20,000 in compensation for the time being by the construction company.
Lai Chien-hung, Head of the New Taipei City Professional Civil Engineers Association, assured the public of the buildings' safety and stability, noting no unusual incidents. The city government plans to meet at 7 p.m. to discuss residents' rights and compensation.
Inhabitants seek proof of structural safety amid concerns about housing prices. Negotiations among residents, builders, and the city will determine future claims and repairs, with a period of uncertainty expected before normalcy resumes.
