Special bill on Hualien post-flood reconstruction clears Legislature

Taipei, Oct. 31 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan on Friday unanimously passed a special bill under which funds of up to NT$30 billion (US$977 million) will be allocated for reconstruction work in parts of Hualien County devastated by floods from a barrier lake burst last month.

The money will be used in phases to restore and rebuild agricultural, power, water and transportation infrastructure, according to the Special Act for reconstruction in areas hit by flooding caused by the Mataian Creek barrier lake in Hualien in eastern Taiwan.

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The banks of the barrier lake burst on Sept. 23 after record rainfall brought by Typhoon Ragasa, sending 60 million cubic meters of water and debris rushing through Guangfu Township within two hours, killing at least 19 people.

The flooding also left more than 600 hectares of land in Hualien's Guangfu, Fonglin, and Wanrung townships submerged in mud.

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Under the special bill, the scope of reconstruction includes agricultural restoration, electricity systems, telecommunications and cable television systems, housing and public facilities, water conservancy structures, and roads.

Projects will also focus on environmental sanitation recovery, social rehabilitation and industrial promotion as well as other necessary restoration projects, including tap water, gas, and fuel systems, as recognized by central authorities.

In terms of flood relief, the act specifies that aid will be based on the actual number of affected households, rather than limited to one household per address, and will not be subject to current restrictions on disaster relief categories or standards.

The act also stipulates that reconstruction efforts must respect local residents, communities, tribes, organizations, cultures, and lifestyles.

The special bill, proposed by the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), met no objection Thursday during cross-party negotiations, which were also attended by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the smaller opposition Taiwan People's Party.