Premier: Local typhoon relief is top priority in government budget

At the Cabinet's weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Cho Jung-tai received briefings from the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of National Defense, the Executive Yuan's Public Construction Commission, and the Council of Indigenous Peoples regarding the emergency response to Typhoon Gaemi and the subsequent recovery and reconstruction work. The premier gave thanks and recognition to all the ministries and agencies, local governments, police, firefighters and military personnel involved in disaster relief, adding that it is especially during times of natural disasters that the central and local governments must work more closely together so that the public can safely rely on them.

Premier Cho said he has already instructed the Public Construction Commission to set up a Typhoon Gaemi recovery project to assist local recovery and reconstruction work. In addition, he said this year's central government budget will prioritize the most urgent needs of local governments through swift and targeted funding, and next year the central government will carefully review and allocate the funding necessary to strengthen water management and transportation infrastructure. The government is fully committed to supporting reconstruction efforts for individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises and other businesses impacted by the typhoon.

Premier Cho made five further remarks. First, in a future of extreme weather, the probability of heavy rainfall will be high. The premier expects the Central Weather Administration will continue to provide accurate information as well as early warning and response. Second, the restoration of rail services and public roads should afford top priority to the safety of repair workers while ensuring the timely resumption of transportation services. Third, county and city governments should report agricultural damage punctually and the related compensation system should be generous and streamlined, to ensure assistance reaches affected farmers. Fourth, since there have been many cases of crop flooding, to avoid the spread of pests and diseases, the premier requested agricultural units within the disaster areas to fully disinfect their environments. Fifth, the premier instructed that steps be taken to prevent artificial price fluctuations, so that people can return to their normal lives as soon as possible.