TAIPEI (TVBS News) — More than 60,000 volunteers flooded Hualien Guangfu Township (光復鄉) over the Teacher's Day holiday weekend to assist in post-flood cleanup efforts after mudslides flooded thousands of homes. Taiwan Railway Corporation (台鐵), the island's national railway operator, added extra trains and stops at Guangfu Station (光復站) from Tuesday (Sept. 30) to Oct. 15. The unprecedented volunteer response demonstrates Taiwan's community solidarity during natural disasters.
Taiwan Railway Corporation added eight daily trains to ensure efficient access for relief personnel and materials to the disaster-stricken region. Guangfu Station experienced unprecedented activity Sunday (Sept. 29), when volunteers and personnel reached 44,500 people in a single day. The Tzu Chi Charity Foundation (慈濟基金會), Taiwan's largest Buddhist charity organization, facilitated connections between disaster victims and volunteers at the station.
Taiwan Railway Corporation opened all station gates and provided entry proof for passengers to streamline the massive volunteer influx at Guangfu Station. Officials enhanced flow management and safety measures during peak volunteer arrival times to prevent overcrowding and ensure efficient operations. The Highway Bureau (公路局), Taiwan's road administration agency, cleared main routes of Provincial Highway 11A and Highway 9 Sunday (Sept. 29), assisting residents in debris removal. ◼
