Guangfu Township Plans NT$10,000 Cash Handout to All Residents After Severe Barrier Lake Disaster
In response to the devastating collapse of a barrier lake on the Matai'an River in Hualien last year, which caused severe property damage and impacted livelihoods, the Guangfu Township Office has budgeted an additional NT$116 million. The funds are designated for a universal cash handout of NT$10,000 to each resident. The process is expected to begin in early June, as announced by Township Mayor Lin Ching-shui on May 19.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 17:08
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 17:31 (23 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 19, 2026 at 20:00 (2h 28m after Collected)
(CNA, Hualien, May 19, by reporter Li Hsien-feng) Following the devastating collapse of a barrier lake on Hualien's Matai'an River last year that severely impacted Guangfu Township, the township office has budgeted an additional NT$116 million to issue a universal cash handout of NT$10,000 to every resident, considering the heavy property losses and affected livelihoods. The process is expected to launch in early June.
Guangfu Township Mayor Lin Ching-shui reported on the township's reconstruction progress and explained the use of various supplementary and reduced budgets for post-disaster recovery during a policy report at the regular session of the Township Representative Council today, where it underwent review.
Lin pointed out that on September 23 of last year, Guangfu Township experienced an unprecedented major disaster with the collapse of the Matai'an River barrier lake, causing heavy casualties, financial losses, and indelible psychological trauma to the residents. He noted that fortunately, nearly 500,000 "Shovel Supermen" from across the country showed selfless love, along with 57,400 military personnel, 7,200 firefighters, various levels of government, and countless public welfare and charity groups who participated in the rescue efforts.
Lin stated that the residents have shown remarkable resilience and self-reliance, enduring and working hard for months to gradually restore their homes and return to their daily routines. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the compatriots, groups, and agencies that have shown care and love for Guangfu, saying, "We will cherish and remember this, and hope that one day Guangfu can also repay the nation with such a great act of kindness."
Lin reminded residents that the crisis of the Matai'an River has not completely passed and that it is unpredictable when another disaster might occur. He urged everyone to prepare for the worst and be best prepared to mitigate the sorrow and pain when disaster strikes again.
Lin stated that to help residents return to normal life, stabilize consumer functions, and promote local economic circulation, an additional NT$116 million was budgeted for the cash handout following a proposal by the representative council and the drafting of relevant local ordinances. The registration, application methods, and operational procedures are scheduled to begin in early June. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150519
Guangfu Township Mayor Lin Ching-shui reported on the township's reconstruction progress and explained the use of various supplementary and reduced budgets for post-disaster recovery during a policy report at the regular session of the Township Representative Council today, where it underwent review.
Lin pointed out that on September 23 of last year, Guangfu Township experienced an unprecedented major disaster with the collapse of the Matai'an River barrier lake, causing heavy casualties, financial losses, and indelible psychological trauma to the residents. He noted that fortunately, nearly 500,000 "Shovel Supermen" from across the country showed selfless love, along with 57,400 military personnel, 7,200 firefighters, various levels of government, and countless public welfare and charity groups who participated in the rescue efforts.
Lin stated that the residents have shown remarkable resilience and self-reliance, enduring and working hard for months to gradually restore their homes and return to their daily routines. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the compatriots, groups, and agencies that have shown care and love for Guangfu, saying, "We will cherish and remember this, and hope that one day Guangfu can also repay the nation with such a great act of kindness."
Lin reminded residents that the crisis of the Matai'an River has not completely passed and that it is unpredictable when another disaster might occur. He urged everyone to prepare for the worst and be best prepared to mitigate the sorrow and pain when disaster strikes again.
Lin stated that to help residents return to normal life, stabilize consumer functions, and promote local economic circulation, an additional NT$116 million was budgeted for the cash handout following a proposal by the representative council and the drafting of relevant local ordinances. The registration, application methods, and operational procedures are scheduled to begin in early June. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150519