TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment on Sunday honored more than 120 organizations and individuals for their contributions to post-disaster cleanup efforts in Hualien County following a barrier dam breach on Mataian Creek in September.
After the sudden breach on Sept. 23, volunteers from across Taiwan rushed to the affected area, many armed only with shovels, to help remove mud and debris. To recognize their efforts, the Ministry of Environment hosted a banquet in Hualien, presided over by Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明).
During the event, commemorative trophies and certificates of appreciation were presented to 120 public and private organizations, as well as individual volunteers who actively participated in the cleanup, per CNA.
According to ministry statistics, more than 420,000 metric tonnes of silt and debris were removed, and 47.8 kilometers of roadside ditches and sewers were dredged, restoring drainage in the affected areas and reducing the risk of future flooding.
Peng said some cleanup work remains ongoing, particularly along heavily impacted areas such as Fozu Street in Guangfu Township. Usable sand and gravel will be transported westward and northward where possible, while materials that are more difficult to process will be sorted first.
He said the remaining work is expected to be challenging and time-consuming, with full completion projected to take two to three years.
Peng added that residents need not worry about sand and gravel waste generated by the flooding, as it has been securely covered with tarpaulins to prevent secondary damage during typhoons. Contractors handling waste disposal will continue coordinating closely with the Hualien County government.
The Central Disaster Response Center coordinated cleanup operations with local governments, improving disaster response efficiency, and allowing the affected areas to recover more quickly, Peng said.
Peng said the Ministry of Environment will continue assisting local governments in strengthening emergency preparedness, reporting mechanisms, drills, and support deployment. He added that the ministry will also work with central and local environmental protection agencies to build a “net-zero, sustainable, and resilient” Taiwan.