Taiwan Premier: Flood Control Budget Needs Swift Passage Amid Heavy Rains

Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized the urgent need for swift approval of flood control budgets to manage the impact of heavy rainfall across the island. Speaking on June 25, Cho stated that while current agricultural losses are manageable, passing the necessary budgets quickly is the "best solution."

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The flood control budget should be passed as quickly as possible.

Continuous downpours have led to suspensions of work and classes in Pingtung County, two districts in Kaohsiung, and five townships in Chiayi. The premier noted that although Typhoon Mikala did not directly hit Taiwan, it brought substantial rainfall. The Executive Yuan has received reports on the typhoon's impact, including efforts to manage the Wanli Creek landslide lake in Hualien and assess damage elsewhere.

Cho confirmed that the Executive Yuan's Secretary-General has been in contact with local government heads to ensure central government support for disaster response. An advisor was dispatched to Hualien to oversee evacuation plans for the landslide lake area. Local governments have been urged to maintain high vigilance in mountainous regions, with the government deploying resources based on past experiences.

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As long as the disaster does not expand, we can still cope.

Regarding agricultural damage, Cho indicated that the Ministry of Agriculture is closely monitoring losses from the June 8th rain season, which affected crops like peanuts in Yunlin and Changhua, and vegetables, fruits, and flowers in Pingtung and Hsinchu. Swift relief measures will be implemented.

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The best solution is for the Legislative Yuan to pass the flood control and other budgets as soon as possible.