TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foxconn is donating funds to help residents of Hualien's Guangfu Township clean up and rebuild their homes in the wake of Typhoon Ragasa.
Due to heavy rain from the typhoon, Mataian Barrier Lake overflowed on Sept. 23, causing severe floods and mudslides in Guangfu. The flooding damaged two gas stations and caused most medical institutions to suspend operations. As of Friday, authorities reported 18 deaths, 156 injuries, and six missing persons.
The company said that registered township employees or their immediate family members can apply for up to five days of paid leave to assist with disaster relief. If employees volunteer to help clean up the affected area, they can apply for up to three days of paid leave, per CNA.
Foxconn has also partnered with Sharp Electronics to purchase NT$17 million (USD $525,000) of household appliances for disaster victims. According to the company, eligible residents can apply for the aid through the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Hualien County Government reported that 311 students in the township had their homes affected by flooding and mudslides. In response, the company’s education foundation will donate NT$10,000 to each affected student.
As of Wednesday, a disaster relief foundation established by the health ministry had raised NT$780 million in donations to support disaster recovery in Guangfu. The donation campaign will remain open until Oct. 24.
On Thursday, the ministry allocated NT$160 million from the fund, mainly for funeral expenses, medical fees, and home cleanup. Each affected household is eligible for an NT$50,000 subsidy to help with cleaning.
A part of the funds will also be used to provide temporary housing and support reconstruction for residents whose properties experienced severe damage, the ministry added.
