Nantou, central Taiwan, July 31 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian inspected Hualien and Nantou counties Tuesday, where heavy casualties and losses caused by Typhoon Toraji were reported.
Chen first visited Kuangfu and Fenglin townships in eastern Hualien before proceeding to Nantou.
In Nantou, Chen ordered the establishment of a Cabinet-level cross-agency task force to handle relief and reconstruction work in connection with Typhoon Toraji.
The president expressed his sorrow over the victims who were killed in massive mudslides.
He asked officials concerned to do their best to repair damaged roads, bridges, power and water supplies and to restore communication services as early as possible.
Chen also asked the Executive Yuan to consult with the Legislative Yuan to allow the administrative branch to use NT$5 billion of "special appropriations" for emergency relief to the displaced residents.
Besides the damage to roads, bridges and other public facilities, the Council of Agriculture put the typhoon losses to the agriculture sector at NT$3.5 billion, mostly in Nantou and Hualien counties.