The legislature yesterday passed revisions to a 921 relief law that will allow victims of natural disasters linked to the 1999 temblor to qualify for aid.
Under the changes, victims of Typhoon Toraji may be among the first to qualify for disaster relief, according to KMT lawmaker Chang Ming-hsiung (張明雄), who sponsored the bill.
The typhoon swept across eastern and central Taiwan in July, triggering mudslides that were partly blamed on the effects of the 921 quake.
Toraji left 111 dead, 103 missing and another 188 injured in its wake. The torrential rains and mudslides triggered by the storm destroyed 488 houses, damaged 376 others and flooded or washed away nearly 1,500 hectares of farmland.
Nantou County, hardest hit by the 1999 quake, sustained heavy damage during the typhoon.
Once the government determines that damages resulting from a natural disaster are linked to 921, a family may claim NT$1 million for each victim killed by Toraji and NT$200,000 for each person injured.
Other relief measures include providing up to NT$200,000 for damaged houses and NT$3.5 million in low-interest loans.
In addition, the government plans to purchase properties from residents where the ground is no longer fit for construction.
Chang, who is running for Nantou County commissioner, put the total cost of yesterday's revision at NT$400 billion.
"I will see to it that the Cabinet comes up with a concrete plan to finance the program during the interpellation session [today]," Chang said. "I hope to settle the matter before the December elections."
He threatened to boycott future bills if his demand is ignored by the legislature or the Cabinet.
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