Typhoon Bavi Approaches, Cho Jung-tai Inspects Emergency Center, Concerned About Landslide Lake Evacuations

(Central News Agency, Reporter Liu Jian-bang, Taipei, July 9) Premier Cho Jung-tai inspected the Central Emergency Operation Center today and specifically inquired about the evacuation status of residents downstream from the Wanli River landslide lake in Hualien. He stated that the Hualien County Government should accurately ascertain the number of people requiring evacuation, ensuring unified data between the central and local governments.

The Central Weather Administration issued a sea typhoon warning at 2:30 PM. The Ministry of the Interior established the Typhoon Bavi Central Emergency Operation Center and activated it at Level 2. Cho Jung-tai inspected the center at 4:00 PM.

While listening to the report, Cho Jung-tai paid special attention to the situation of the Wanli River landslide lake in Hualien and asked about the current evacuation progress. Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang requested Hualien County Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-chang, who was waiting via video conference, to provide an explanation.

Yen Hsin-chang stated via video that 14 people in Wanrong have already gone to shelters, and 38 people in Fenglin are currently being evacuated. However, some individuals could not be contacted. He added that accurate data would be reported to the Central Emergency Operation Center later.

In addition to thanking Yen Hsin-chang, Cho Jung-tai urged the Hualien County Government to ensure they have the precise number and identities of individuals requiring evacuation from Wanrong Township, Fenglin Town, and Guangfu Township by the next working meeting of the Central Emergency Operation Center. This will allow both the central and local governments to have unified data, leading to more consistent safety operations. Yen Hsin-chang acknowledged the request.

After hearing reports from various central government units, Cho Jung-tai said that this is a time when the entire nation is preparing for the typhoon. He urged the public not to go watch waves, fish, or hike when the typhoon arrives.

Cho Jung-tai stated that the central and local governments are taking proactive measures in their typhoon preparations. For example, the commander of the Central Emergency Operation Center and Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang had already held a video conference with representatives from local governments, allowing for joint early preparation and disaster prevention between the central and local levels.

Cho Jung-tai requested that all central government units continue to monitor the typhoon's path, wind and rain conditions, and potential impact timeline. He noted that the next 72 hours will be a severe test, and the government must continue to assist the public in safely navigating this typhoon, utilizing government technological information effectively.

He emphasized that all local governments must diligently implement typhoon and flood preparedness measures, such as completing the cleaning of drainage systems and side ditches, and preparing pumping equipment and machinery before the typhoon makes landfall.

Cho Jung-tai highlighted that the situation at the Wanli River landslide lake and the Mataian River in Hualien County are key focus areas for this typhoon preparedness effort. Central government units will continue to monitor the landslide lake and work with the Hualien County Government to track the number of vulnerable households and individuals requiring assistance, proceeding with early evacuation and sheltering according to the highest safety standards.

Cho Jung-tai stated that the central and local governments are a team, and the government is one entity. Especially during a typhoon, the decisions or requests made by the Central Emergency Operation Center can only be practically executed by local governments. He urged local governments to submit any needs in advance, and the Central Emergency Operation Center will provide full support, demonstrating the government's unified spirit and ensuring the implementation of typhoon prevention work. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150709

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