Taiwan's government has approved approximately $878 million for earthquake relief following a powerful quake last month that claimed the lives of at least 17 people and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the island on April 3, leaving more than 1,100 people injured. However, thanks to strict building codes and widespread disaster preparedness, a larger catastrophe was averted. The quake triggered massive landslides, blocking tunnels and causing damage to roads and buildings, particularly affecting tourism and businesses in eastern Hualien city, near the epicenter.
The cabinet announced on Thursday its commitment to "utmost efforts" to rebuild homes and revive businesses, unveiling the NT$28.55 billion ($878 million) "0403 Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Plan." Of this amount, NT$18.44 billion will be allocated for the emergency repair and reconstruction of public facilities, while NT$5.84 billion will go toward the resettlement and reconstruction of private homes damaged by the quake.
An additional NT$4.08 billion will be used for industrial revitalization, and NT$190 million will be dedicated to "other insurance subsidies and employment assistance programs," according to the cabinet.
The cabinet stated in a release that "the central and local governments will collaborate in the future to ensure that people receive the quickest, most adequate, and most timely assistance."
The quake occurred just weeks before Taiwan's incoming president, Lai Ching-te, is set to take office on May 20, following his victory in the January presidential elections. It was the most severe quake in Taiwan since a magnitude 7.6 temblor in 1999, which claimed the lives of some 2,400 people, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history.