Premier Chen Chien-jen on Thursday received a briefing from the Executive Yuan's Department of Coordination and Planning regarding the government's disaster recovery and reconstruction plan following the earthquake that struck Hualien County on April 3. The premier said the Executive Yuan proposed the plan swiftly in the aftermath of the earthquake, allocating an estimated total budget of NT$28.55 billion (US$878.6 million) for reconstruction. Emphasizing generous, swift and streamlined support, the plan provides full backing to local governments in all aspects of reconstruction, so as to restore stability to the lives of those impacted by the disaster as soon as possible.

On the morning of April 3, a shallow earthquake of magnitude 7.2 on the Richter scale struck the waters off Hualien County, severely impacting the lives and property of the Taiwanese people, as well as causing damaging effects to the nation's business operations and tourism, the premier said. In order to carry out post-disaster reconstruction work with optimum efficiency and stabilize the lives of those affected, the Executive Yuan immediately consolidated the existing budgets of the central and local governments to formulate the earthquake recovery and reconstruction plan.

Premier Chen said in addition to facilitating the reconstruction and recovery work of various organizations and providing the necessary funding for financial relief and revitalization efforts, the plan also includes a range of aid, subsidies and benefits that address the pressing concerns of people affected by the earthquake. The premier instructed ministries and agencies to continue listening closely to the needs of local governments and victims, expeditiously propose post-disaster recovery measures, and formulate focused reconstruction programs that are conducive to local revitalization and development.