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President Lee's Opening Remarks Made at the Press Conference
1999-10-05

Ladies and gentlemen from the media:

 

It has been 15 days since a devastating earthquake hit Taiwan on September 21. During this period of time, the executive branch has carried out an all-out rescue effort. I, myself, also went deep into every stricken area to determine the full-scope of the disaster and the needs of the people. As of now, quite a number of resettlement and reconstruction measures have been formulated. Today, I would like to take this opportunity to further explain to the entire populace what we have done to date.

 

After this earthquake, what the government has done falls into two phases. The first is rescue and resettlement, and the second is reconstruction. The rescue work in the first phase was carried out jointly by the military, fire departments, and private relief organizations.

 

Immediately after the earthquake hit Taiwan at 1:47 A.M. on September 21, the Ministry of National Defense issued an order at 2:30 A.M. to military rescue teams at all levels, which arrived at the stricken areas one after the other at around 4:00 in the morning. Forward command posts were immediately established to ensure cooperation with local relief teams. Every stricken county and city also set up a center to coordinate activities.

 

On the evening of September 21, the Executive Yuan responded with 15 measures for quick rescue, consolation of the injured and families of the dead, restoration of transportation, prevention and control of disease, collection of disaster information, reconstruction and relief loans, etc.

 

In an effort to rescue and resettle the victims, the government also established a supervisory center on September 22. With Vice President Lien Chan as the convener, the center was charged with coordinating all relevant efforts by agencies at the central and local levels, as well as supervising the implementation of the 15 measures proposed by the Executive Yuan.

 

At that time, the rescue work of the military and all rescue teams, including those from abroad, went on around the clock, saving a total of 4,963 people from buildings that collapsed and rescuing 4,685 people in locations where roads were blocked. Unfortunately, 2,256 lost their lives, including 55 who had been buried alive and 53 missing.

 

At present, the first phase of rescue work has been completed, but this does not mean that we have given up hope for victims. As long as there is some hope, the government will spare no effort to continue the rescue efforts.

 

The scope of the second phase of work, the "post-disaster reconstruction," is even more comprehensive and the problems more complicated. We have to consider not only the present needs of victims, but also the long-term development of the disaster areas. In order to eliminate several legal restrictions, shorten the administrative process, and ensure effective and complete reconstruction, the government issued an emergency decree on September 25. The Executive Yuan set up an ad hoc reconstruction committee to implement various relief and reconstruction measures and adequately guarantee the rights of victims in the disaster areas.

 

These measures address: relief and consolation payments, temporary shelter for victims, emergency disaster management funds, loans for purchasing new housing units, the repayment of loans, the problems of taxation and insufficient funds checks, disease control and prevention, emergency medical treatment, housing safety inspection, supplying necessities, stabilizing commodity prices, handling relief donations, re-opening schools and counseling for students in disaster areas, environmental sanitation, employment assistance for affected workers, and relief donations.

 

Meanwhile, after hearing the report of the Reconstruction Committee of the Executive Yuan on October 2, I raised six major points for the present reconstruction work. First, determine which buildings are dangerous for habitation within one week. Second, complete the building of prefabricated homes in critical areas within ten days. Third, dispose of rubble within one month. Fourth, work with religious groups to assist quake victims in their grief. Fifth, provide relief aid, so the victims have work to reduce their fears and return to normal life. Sixth, remove all obstacles through the emergency decree to quickly restore the power supply system. All these efforts have been fully carried out by relevant agencies and have resulted in significant progress.

 

In addition, to make integrated use of donations from various sectors of society, the Reconstruction Committee of the Executive Yuan set up a committee for managing such donations for disaster relief. Consisting of respected private individuals, this group will oversee the distribution and use of the relief funds, so that victims can reap the maximum benefits from public charity and our compatriots affected by the disaster will be fairly and suitably cared for.

 

The earthquake was especially devastating, bringing death and destruction to countless families. I, along with the entire nation, have been deeply grieved and anguished by this disaster. Helping the victims leave behind their sorrows and rebuild their homes continues to be our most important task.

 

The government understands that despite the measures it has taken and regardless of how it has handled rescue and rebuilding efforts, it will be impossible to completely satisfy everyone. However, we are full of confidence and determination, and we shall do our utmost to complete our work in as short a time as possible. I truly hope that all the people of our nation will cooperate with one heart and one mind, and work hard with the government, so that we may quickly recover from this terrible calamity.

 

On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China, I would especially like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank all of our friends in the international community for their concern and assistance. At the same time, my sincerest gratitude goes out to the military, central and local fire departments, and private rescue groups for their outstanding performance; as well as to society itself, for the enthusiasm and willingness displayed during relief operations to help fellow countrymen in disaster areas. I am confident that this strong, unified spirit of supporting and helping one another will be our greatest strength in establishing a newer, stronger, and better Taiwan.

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