HUALIEN, Taiwan (September 28, 2025)— Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) announced on Sunday that the government will provide NT$1 million (US$32,810) in condolence payments to the families of those who lost their lives in the devastating floods that struck Hualien County last week.
The disaster unfolded after Typhoon Ragasa brought heavy rains that caused the Matai’an Creek Barrier Lake to overflow, inundating Guangfu, Wanrong, and Fenglin townships. As of Sunday, officials confirmed 17 deaths, seven missing persons, and widespread damage across affected areas.
Cho said that the initial relief package had been set at NT$800,000 per bereaved family, jointly funded by the central government and the Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief. However, he explained that the figure was later raised to NT$1 million to better support the grieving families.
In addition to condolence payments, victims who sustained injuries will be eligible for government assistance of up to NT$250,000, depending on the extent of their medical needs. Households that suffered flood damage in Guangfu Township will also receive NT$100,000 each, recognizing the severity of the situation there.
The premier, who visited the disaster zone on Sunday, pledged to continue search operations for the seven missing individuals and assured residents that the government has activated its “Safe Housing, Government Pays” initiative. The program aims to restore basic living conditions within 14 days to ensure displaced families have secure shelter.
The Hualien County government will also roll out additional local support measures for those affected, Cho said, emphasizing that both central and local agencies are working together to help communities recover.
