Kaohsiung Floods Devastate Agriculture; Candidate Seeks Full Relief

Kaohsiung is grappling with extensive damage following days of torrential rain, which has devastated local agricultural and fishery operations. The severe flooding has particularly affected areas like Yong'an, Mituo, Tianliao, and Ziguo, inundating farmlands and fish farms.

Ko Chih-en, a Kaohsiung mayoral candidate for the Kuomintang (KMT), has taken immediate action. She has formally requested the Ministry of Agriculture to expand disaster relief measures to cover all types of agricultural and fishery products affected by the recent downpours. Ko is also pushing for the provision of low-interest loans to aid the recovery process for those impacted.

Ko highlighted the profound impact these disasters have on farmers and fishers, noting that a single heavy rain event can wipe out months or even a year's worth of hard work and investment. She stressed that timely government support is crucial to alleviate the burden of post-disaster recovery.

"We must provide comprehensive and substantial assistance to affected farmers and fishers, ensuring they are not left without help due to limitations on relief items," Ko stated. She added that her team is closely monitoring the situation across Kaohsiung, working to secure central government relief resources and coordinating with the Kaohsiung City Council's KMT caucus to urge the city government to provide financial aid for flood damage.

Ko emphasized that the focus remains on assessing the immediate impact on the ground and accelerating damage assessment and relief procedures. She stressed the importance of collective efforts, from the central to the local level, to ensure that those affected by the floods receive the necessary support to rebuild.

“

We must provide comprehensive and substantial assistance to affected farmers and fishers, ensuring they are not left without help due to limitations on relief items.