TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) toured flooding clean-up efforts in Hualien on Sunday, pledging an additional NT$200,000 (US$6,500) per household for repairs, per CNA.

The new aid, when combined with the two previously announced assistance, brings the total available per household to NT$350,000. Applications will be accepted through a one-stop service platform starting on Tuesday.

Lai said the government's priority is lowering the "red alert" status that the community continues to face due to potential flooding. He said this requires constant monitoring of river levels, reinforcing embankments, desilting, and improving evacuation plans.

Lai praised local and international volunteers who have flocked to the disaster area to assist in cleanup efforts. He also urged all agencies to work swiftly to locate the six people who remain missing.

According to Chi Lien-cheng (季連成), a chief coordinator at the Central Emergency Operation Center, 98% of roads in the disaster area have been cleared, and four local schools are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday. Chi added that approximately 30 km of roadside drains should be functioning by Oct. 18.

Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said that as of Friday, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "Mataian Creek Barrier Lake Disaster Fundraising Program" received 252,150 donations totaling NT$931,281,983. These donations will be used to support disaster relief and provide additional assistance for disaster victims.

Lee said that other disaster assistance included NT$1 million for families affected by death or the disappearance of family members, and NT$250,000 for each person seriously injured.