TYPHOON KEMI LEAVES TAIWAN, RESULTING IN CASUALTIES AND ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS
Typhoon Kemi has departed from Taiwan, leaving behind a trail of destruction. According to statistics from Taiwan’s Central Disaster Response Center as of 2 p.m. today, the typhoon has claimed the lives of 7 people, with 1 reported missing and 785 injured. President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lai Ching-te visited Kaohsiung today to inspect the disaster-stricken areas and announced an increase in flood assistance across Taiwan to alleviate the burden on affected residents. In collaboration with local authorities, efforts will be made to assist disaster-affected households in reducing their tax liabilities.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan warned of potentially heavy rainfall in various regions due to the impact of Typhoon Kemi’s outer circulation and southwestern winds. As of around 4:30 p.m. this afternoon, areas such as the mountainous regions of Chiayi County and Tainan City may experience localized heavy or torrential rains, with chances of heavy rainfall in Taichung City, Nantou County mountains, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, and Pingtung County. There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall in areas from Miaoli to Yunlin and on the Penghu Islands. Citizens are advised to be cautious of lightning and strong gusts of wind, as continuous heavy rainfall may lead to collapses, landslides, flash floods, and flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Particularly heavy rainfall is expected in Chiayi County and Tainan City.
The Central Disaster Response Center in Taiwan held its 11th working meeting on Typhoon Kemi in the afternoon, chaired by Commander and Minister of the Interior, Shu-fang Liu. She mentioned the persisting flooding in the southern regions and urged the Ministry of Economic Affairs to assist local governments by dispatching water pumps through open contracts and coordinating the deployment of drainage pumps by the Ministry of National Defense, the Taiwan Water Resources Agency, and the Fire Department. The Minister also called upon the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Economic Affairs to expedite repairs on road closures, water facilities, and damaged lifelines to aid in the swift recovery of affected residents.
Regarding the maritime incidents involving 8 stranded vessels and the Tanzanian cargo ship “Fushun,” Minister Liu asked the National Search and Rescue Command Center to maintain close communication with relevant units for ongoing search and rescue operations and coastal surveillance missions.
The Central Disaster Response Center reported that Typhoon Kemi has caused 7 fatalities, 1 person remains missing, and 785 individuals were injured. By 1 p.m., there were 3,153 accumulated cases of flooding, with 134 instances currently draining; a total of 160,719 households encountered water cuts, of which 21,715 are still without water. Additionally, 847,226 households faced power outages with 35,326 households still awaiting restoration.
President Lai Ching-te shared on Facebook his concerns over the severe impact of Typhoon Kemi, particularly in the central and southern regions of Taiwan. The accumulated rainfall in the mountainous areas of Kaohsiung surpassed that of Typhoon Morakot. For instance, in the Maolin District of Kaohsiung City, the cumulative rainfall reached 1,880.5 millimeters from July 24th until this afternoon, making it the highest recorded in Taiwan. Such precipitation poses a significant burden on any city’s infrastructure and residents.
President Lai Ching-te highlighted his visit to the Meinong District in Kaohsiung to assess the progress of post-disaster recovery efforts, including the restoration of electricity. Thanks to the proactive efforts of the Taiwan Power Company, more than 90% of the power supply has been restored as of the 25th, with full restoration expected today. Mayor Chen Chi-mai and his municipal team, along with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan Water Corporation, and the military, have been fully engaged in aid efforts. Water management and flood control remain critical tasks for the central and local governments. Measures such as river regulation, expansion of flood detention basins, and establishment of pumping stations are essential for tailored and comprehensive flood control to minimize the impact of natural disasters.
“In response to the flooding across Taiwan, households submerged in water levels exceeding 50 centimeters will receive an additional subsidy of NT$20,000 per household from the central government, in addition to local government assistance,” said Lai Ching-te. Low and middle-income households impacted by flooding below 50 centimeters will also receive NT$10,000 per household from the central disaster relief fund to alleviate losses incurred due to the typhoon.
President Lai Ching-te announced that the Ministry of Agriculture will provide cash assistance and low-interest loans to farmers in severely affected areas through a simplified and expedited process. Subsidies for organic fertilizers will be provided ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$30,000 per hectare to reduce the burdens on affected farmers and assist in their agricultural recovery. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance has pledged assistance in tax relief for disaster-affected individuals by reducing or exempting nine major tax items, including individual and corporate income taxes.
President Lai Ching-te assured, “This typhoon has affected every part of Taiwan, and I offer my deepest condolences to those who have suffered losses. The central government will work hand in hand with local authorities to minimize the impact of the disaster on our people. In the face of climate change and extreme weather challenges, the government will continue to review and improve measures, focusing on water management and flood control to ensure the safety of our citizens.”