TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) came under fire Thursday from DPP County Councilor Hu Jen-shun (胡仁順) for failing to attend a crucial Typhoon Fengshen preparation meeting held on Wednesday.
Hu criticized Hsu for skipping the joint central-local government briefing, which focused on evacuation plans and emergency coordination ahead of the storm, per UP Media. Hu said, “At a time when the county government’s input is vital, Magistrate Hsu chose to be absent.”
The councilor also rebuked Hsu for what he described as abandoning frontline responsibilities during the Mataian River barrier lake mudslide recovery in Guangfu Township, per NOWNews. He accused her of getting subordinates to coordinate with the central government and manage reconstruction efforts without adequate support.
Hu’s criticism was linked to a recent Facebook post by Hsu, in which she spoke about the disbandment of a volunteer electrician group and shared contact information for professional contractors offering home repairs. Netizens accused Hsu of attempting to take credit for the volunteer group’s work, favoring certain businesses, and undermining the professionalism of volunteers, per Liberty Times.
DPP Legislator Lin Chu-yin (林楚茵) echoed these concerns, questioning Hsu’s authority to “disband” the group and lambasting the implication that disaster-stricken residents must now pay for repair services themselves, per Fount Media.
In response to the growing controversy, Hualien County official Chen Chien-tsun (陳建村) issued a clarification, insisting the county government merely relayed information and had no intention of steering profits toward any specific individual, per UDN. He urged the public to press charges if they believe otherwise.
Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng (季連成), who oversees disaster recovery operations in Guangfu Township, defended frontline officials and called for public support.
The county government explained the volunteer group had been responsible for restoring essential services like electricity and water. Following an internal review, the group voluntarily disbanded.
However, the county government continues to receive inquiries about the volunteer program, which prompted it to share the announcement and provide information on qualified repair services.
Chen said that residents are free to choose service providers and that listing available options does not constitute endorsement. He added that any business willing to assist in Guangfu should be appreciated, and urged the public to avoid unnecessary criticism.
After facing an online backlash, Hsu’s post was edited to clarify that the volunteer group’s disbandment was merely an update, not a directive from the county government.
