TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) toured devastated areas in Tainan City's Jiangjun District (將軍區) Tuesday (July 15) to personally evaluate destruction left in Typhoon Danas's wake. During his visit to the southern coastal region, Cho confirmed that hazard pay for Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電) workers engaged in dangerous restoration efforts would be guaranteed without reduction. The government leader outlined a financial assistance program that will provide between NT$50,000 and NT$100,000 (approximately US$1,704 to US$3,408) to households suffering substantial property damage exceeding 20 square meters.
Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) underscored the typhoon's devastating effects throughout Taiwan's southern regions. He detailed ongoing coordination between municipal authorities and national agencies to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate rebuilding initiatives. Premier Cho revealed that his return to the affected area came at the direct request of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), who tasked him with conveying the nation's appreciation to emergency responders. The premier reaffirmed that the state-owned power utility had verified its commitment to providing supplemental compensation to workers facing hazardous conditions and acknowledged the extensive destruction of electrical infrastructure.
Taiwan's cabinet, the Executive Yuan, continues evaluating financial assistance packages for residential properties affected by the storm. Current proposals include NT$50,000 (approximately US$1,704) for residences with damage spanning 20 to 100 square meters and NT$100,000 (approximately US$3,408) for larger properties with damage exceeding 100 square meters. Addressing smaller-scale damage, Premier Cho suggested local authorities leverage charitable donations and alternative funding sources to support households with less than 20 square meters of damage. He also disclosed that the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部) is developing a comprehensive long-term water infrastructure initiative with projected funding of NT$100 billion (approximately US$3.41 billion).
The premier responded to concerns regarding aquaculture producers, particularly oyster farmers operating without formal documentation. He announced that the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部) would explore expanded eligibility requirements to ensure support reaches those who can demonstrate actual typhoon-related losses. Cho concluded his visit by reinforcing both the national and local governments' dedication to remaining responsive to community feedback throughout the recovery process. He emphasized their commitment to facilitating residents' return to their regular lives as swiftly as possible. ◼
(At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.339)
