Pingtung accelerates recovery after record rainfall causes widespread damage

Pingtung County is accelerating its recovery efforts following extreme rainfall that brought accumulated precipitation to 956 millimeters, the second-highest level recorded, surpassed only by Typhoon Morakot. County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi assured residents that the weather has finally cleared, allowing for a full-scale restoration of the affected areas.

The recent torrential downpours have inflicted substantial damage across the county. As of 4 PM on June 28, initial reports indicate agricultural losses amounting to approximately NT$94.4 million across 878.18 hectares. Fisheries suffered losses of about NT$33.5 million across 88.82 hectares, and 17 livestock farms reported damages totaling NT$3.56 million. These combined agricultural, fishery, and livestock damages reach an estimated NT$131.48 million. Additionally, 38 schools sustained damages estimated at over NT$17 million, with ongoing assessments.

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Every number behind it represents the hard work of our fellow villagers for a whole season, a whole year.

Magistrate Chou expressed deep empathy for the affected residents, noting the heartbreak of seeing crops, flowers, and farmed fish devastated by the floods. Despite the severe losses, she was moved by the resilience and mutual encouragement among the people of Pingtung. "Every number behind it represents the hard work of our fellow villagers for a whole season, a whole year," Chou stated, highlighting the personal toll of the disaster.

In response, the county government has initiated comprehensive support measures, including tax relief for disaster losses, subsidies for flooded homes, and assistance for agricultural, fishery, and livestock industries. The county is also focusing on cleaning and disinfecting affected areas and addressing damage to roads, campuses, and infrastructure. Chou emphasized the commitment to accelerating recovery and rebuilding, assuring residents that the county government team will remain on the front lines to help them restore their homes and livelihoods. Military personnel have also been deployed to assist with clearing debris and speeding up the recovery process.

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The weather has finally cleared, and Pingtung is fully accelerating its recovery.