Taiwan Grants $878 Million In Relief Following 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake

Taiwan’s government approved $878 million in earthquake assistance on Thursday, following a devastating quake last month that killed at least 17 people and damaged buildings and infrastructure.

The magnitude 7.4 quake that struck the island on 3 April injured more than 1,100 people, yet rigorous construction rules and widespread disaster preparedness are credited with preventing a far worse disaster.

The earthquake generated major landslides that closed tunnels and destroyed roads and buildings, wreaking havoc on the tourist and industry in eastern Hualien near the epicentre.

The government declared Thursday that it will make utmost efforts to repair homes and revitalize enterprises under the NT$28.55 billion ($878 million) 0403 Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Plan.

The project will allocate NT$18.44 billion for emergency repairs and restoration of public infrastructures and NT$5.84 billion for resettlement and rehabilitation of private dwellings damaged by the earthquake.

According to the government, another NT$4.08 billion will be spent on industry revitalization, with NT$190 million going to other insurance subsidies and employment assistance programmes.

“In the future, the central and local governments will work together… to ensure that the people receive the fastest, most adequate, and most timely help”, the government added.

The quake occurred weeks before Taiwan’s incoming president, Lai Ching-te, entered office on May 20 after winning the January presidential election.

It was Taiwan’s most significant quake since a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in 1999.

The quake killed around 2,400 people, making it the biggest natural disaster in the island’s history.

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