Deputy Mayor Chao’s Remarks:
1. A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck Chiayi in the early morning of January 21st. Damage was reported in the mountainous areas of the Nansi, Yujing, and Nanhua Districts of Tainan City. Following the earthquake, the mayor personally drove to the disaster-affected areas to provide care to residents and oversee relief efforts. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Apart from one individual who sustained serious injuries, all other injuries were minor. The city government has established resettlement centers in Yujing and Nansi Districts, accommodating a total of 27 people. We extend our gratitude to the relevant bureaus and departments for their assistance. Relief for the victims should be provided in accordance with the measures established following the February 6, 2016, earthquake. With the Lunar New Year approaching, all relevant bureaus and departments are requested to complete relief efforts by January 24th, ensuring that affected residents can experience the care and support provided by the city government during the Lunar New Year holiday. On January 22nd, the Major Disaster Fund Committee will discuss proposals for the maintenance and repair of roads, bridges, public facilities, and residential buildings affected by the earthquake. We hope that the necessary measures will be approved before the Lunar New Year to ensure proper resettlement for affected citizens. Additionally, the earthquake has caused premature fruit drops of jujubes and carambolas. The Agriculture Bureau is urged to assist farmers with the harvesting and processing of these fruits as quickly as possible.
2. Last year’s road safety performance work showed improvement compared to previous years, thanks to the efforts of the Transportation Bureau, Police Bureau, and other relevant departments. During the holiday period with consecutive days off, surrounding roads and major routes are expected to experience relatively heavy traffic. The Transportation Bureau and Police Bureau are requested to plan traffic arrangements and provide guidance on alternative routes in advance, ensuring that citizens traveling to and from the city can experience smooth traffic and enjoy a safe and pleasant Lunar New Year in Tainan.
3. Due to the agricultural losses caused by the earthquake, the Agriculture Bureau is requested to expedite the administrative process for applying for subsidies from the central government. Regarding the relocation of dogs from the private dog farm in Hagenaars Bosch, South District, to the temporary holding area of the South District Environmental Protection Bureau, we extend our gratitude to the Environmental Protection Bureau and the Agriculture Bureau for their assistance. If any bureau or department has a suitable field to establish a temporary dog holding area, please contact the Agriculture Bureau as soon as possible. With the Lunar New Year approaching and limited working days remaining, all bureaus and departments are urged to complete post-disaster assistance and related administrative work before the holiday. Furthermore, the Public Works Bureau is requested to complete the structural safety assessment of buildings with safety concerns in the disaster area by noon tomorrow (January 22nd).