Premier again apologizes to flood victims for government failure

Taipei, Sept. 25 (CNA) Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) apologized for a second time Tuesday to flood victims in central and southern Taiwan, which were deluged by torrential rain last month, for government's failure to take effective measures to reduce and prevent flooding.

Delivering an administrative report in the Legislature, Lai noted that the flooding inundated 46,000 hectares, affected 33,000 households, cost over NT$870 million (US$28.34 million) in agricultural losses, and caused more than NT$480 million in damage to schools.

Lai said the Legislature has completed work on amendments to the Water Act to require new development projects to take drainage and flood management into consideration and to improve flood resistance.

He also urged the public to be aware that Super Typhoon Trami is expected to move closer to Taiwan Friday, adding that the Executive Yuan has instructed central and local government agencies to take precautions against storm damage.

Following the flooding that began Aug. 23, Lai apologized to the victims and announced Aug. 25 relief payments of NT$20,000 for each household affected by the flooding.