The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus plans to introduce a reconstruction relief bill to address the damage caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa and the Mataian River barrier lake collapse. Consequently, lawmakers view this legislative move as crucial for supporting Hualien County, where flooding devastated Guangfu Township and surrounding communities.
As of 9:30 a.m. today, the Central Emergency Operation Center reported 18 deaths, 121 injuries, and six people missing. Additionally, two temporary shelters were housing 236 residents who lost their homes. Authorities also maintained a red alert for the barrier lake, which had dropped 118.5 meters since the collapse.
Meanwhile, the government faces growing pressure to respond quickly. Typhoon Ragasa caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and farmland. Furthermore, flooding from the collapsed barrier lake worsened the situation, isolating communities and damaging transportation links.
Last month, the Legislative Yuan passed a reconstruction package with a ceiling of NT$60 billion. This package targeted Typhoon Danas recovery and included some support for Hualien. In response, the Executive Yuan said it would propose an additional budget if necessary to address the new damage.
On the other hand, KMT lawmakers argue that a reconstruction relief bill is needed to secure targeted funding for Hualien’s recovery. Legislator Lo Chih-chiang stressed the urgency of passing a special act to speed up reconstruction efforts. He noted that many residents remain vulnerable and need immediate assistance.
In contrast, Democratic Progressive Party caucus secretary-general Chen Pei-yu said the proposal should be thoroughly discussed. She explained that the Typhoon Danas package already covers some affected areas. Moreover, she added that the legislature could consider new measures if existing funds fall short.
Similarly, Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Chang Chi-kai supported this cautious approach. He suggested using the Danas budget first and then assessing whether to pass another special act or allocate additional resources. This method ensures responsible financial planning while keeping legislative options open.
Looking ahead, experts expect the reconstruction relief bill to become a central issue in upcoming legislative sessions. Lawmakers will need to balance fiscal responsibility with urgent reconstruction demands. In addition, analysts believe the debate will shape Taiwan’s future disaster response strategies and budget priorities.
Furthermore, government agencies plan to conduct detailed damage assessments. These evaluations will guide funding allocations and determine reconstruction timelines. Authorities aim to restore transport networks, rebuild essential infrastructure, and provide support to displaced residents as efficiently as possible.
Ultimately, the KMT’s legislative initiative underscores the rising political attention on post-disaster recovery. Both ruling and opposition parties face pressure to deliver effective solutions for communities affected by Typhoon Ragasa and the barrier lake collapse.
