President Lai Ching-te visited Tainan on Tuesday to assess the destruction caused by the recent typhoon. During his visit, he focused on providing support for farmers and fishermen, who suffered significant losses due to strong winds and widespread power outages.
Lai began his visit in Tainan’s Madou District, where he inspected damage to pomelo orchards. He was accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih, Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei, and Fisheries Agency Director-General Wang Mao-cheng. Notably, Lai emphasized that restoring power remains his highest priority. Consequently, he called on Taipower to urgently repair damaged power lines.
Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che briefed Lai on the situation, explaining that although the city experienced no major flooding, strong winds devastated pomelo orchards. As a result, many farmers lost nearly a full year’s harvest. Therefore, Huang urged an immediate cleanup of fallen fruit and requested the central government to involve the Army. However, he noted that this depends on national security needs.
In response, Lai confirmed that the typhoon had entered from the west and impacted Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan the most. Accordingly, he declared that the situation qualifies for support through natural disaster relief funds and zero-interest recovery loans aimed at helping affected farmers and fishermen.
Nevertheless, Lai acknowledged that the ongoing Han Kuang military drills limit the Army’s availability. Still, he suggested that troops not engaged in combat exercises could assist with farm cleanup. If the military is unable to help, he urged local governments to hire private contractors instead. Moreover, he recommended using reserve funds for emergency response.
Later in the day, Lai visited Luzhugou Fishing Port in Beimen District. There, he listened to fishermen’s concerns about prolonged power outages and the destruction of oyster farms. Approximately 70% of boats and oyster sheds suffered serious damage. Consequently, many fishermen appealed for improved flood defenses and more effective drainage systems.
Lai recognized the extensive damage to electric poles and towers. To address this, he stated that Taipower had called in extra workers from other cities. Furthermore, he noted that repair crews are now working around the clock in the hardest-hit areas.
To provide immediate assistance, the government may rent generators for affected residents. Additionally, Lai promised that the Fisheries Agency, Agriculture Ministry, and Tainan City Government would work together to assess long-term solutions.
Throughout the visit, Lai repeatedly affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and fishermen. He concluded by pledging to ensure swift relief, stronger infrastructure, and better preparation for future storms.
