Deputy Mayor Chao’s Remarks:
1. A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck Chiayi in the early morning of January 21st. Damage was reported in the mountainous areas of the Nansi, Yujing, and Nanhua Districts of Tainan City. Following the earthquake, the mayor personally drove to the disaster-affected areas to provide care to residents and oversee relief efforts. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Apart from one individual who sustained serious injuries, all other injuries were minor. The city government has established resettlement centers in Yujing and Nansi Districts, accommodating a total of 27 people. We extend our gratitude to the relevant bureaus and departments for their assistance. Relief for the victims should be provided in accordance with the measures established following the February 6, 2016, earthquake. With the Lunar New Year approaching, all relevant bureaus and departments are requested to complete relief efforts by January 24th, ensuring that affected residents can experience the care and support provided by the city government during the Lunar New Year holiday. On January 22nd, the Major Disaster Fund Committee will discuss proposals for the maintenance and repair of roads, bridges, public facilities, and residential buildings affected by the earthquake. We hope that the necessary measures will be approved before the Lunar New Year to ensure proper resettlement for affected citizens. Additionally, the earthquake has caused premature fruit drops of jujubes and carambolas. The Agriculture Bureau is urged to assist farmers with the harvesting and processing of these fruits as quickly as possible.
2. Last year’s road safety performance work showed improvement compared to previous years, thanks to the efforts of the Transportation Bureau, Police Bureau, and other relevant departments. During the holiday period with consecutive days off, surrounding roads and major routes are expected to experience relatively heavy traffic. The Transportation Bureau and Police Bureau are requested to plan traffic arrangements and provide guidance on alternative routes in advance, ensuring that citizens traveling to and from the city can experience smooth traffic and enjoy a safe and pleasant Lunar New Year in Tainan.
3. Due to the agricultural losses caused by the earthquake, the Agriculture Bureau is requested to expedite the administrative process for applying for subsidies from the central government. Regarding the relocation of dogs from the private dog farm in Hagenaars Bosch, South District, to the temporary holding area of the South District Environmental Protection Bureau, we extend our gratitude to the Environmental Protection Bureau and the Agriculture Bureau for their assistance. If any bureau or department has a suitable field to establish a temporary dog holding area, please contact the Agriculture Bureau as soon as possible. With the Lunar New Year approaching and limited working days remaining, all bureaus and departments are urged to complete post-disaster assistance and related administrative work before the holiday. Furthermore, the Public Works Bureau is requested to complete the structural safety assessment of buildings with safety concerns in the disaster area by noon tomorrow (January 22nd).
Reports
1. The Public Health Bureau presented a report on "2024 Achievements in Dengue Fever Prevention and Control and 2025 New Policies" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Deputy Mayor Chao’s Comments:
(1) Dengue fever is an environment-related disease and is not the sole responsibility of any single bureau or department. Moreover, it cannot be effectively prevented or controlled by one bureau or department alone. It requires collaboration and mutual support among all bureaus and departments. Last year, Tainan City reported zero local cases of dengue fever, thanks to the dedicated efforts of colleagues across all bureaus and departments.
(2) Approximately 40% of dengue fever transmission occurs within communities. To address this, a Fixed-Site Physician Sentinel Surveillance Program was implemented in the community last year. This year, medical technologists and pharmacists have been invited to join the reporting process, further enhancing the community's capacity for comprehensive prevention measures.
(3) The period from January to March 2025 has been designated as the dengue fever awareness and improvement period. Beginning on April 1, relevant authorities will enforce regulations accordingly. Citizens are encouraged to improve environmental hygiene in their surroundings and monitor their own health.
(4) This year’s winter is still considered mild. It is estimated that dengue fever outbreaks may become more likely once the weather turns hot in May. Everyone is urged to stay alert, and all bureaus and departments are requested to remain vigilant regarding imported cases.
(5) Last year, the city government revised its chemical control measures for dengue fever by adopting the compressed fogging canisters for indoor spraying. This approach helped minimize disturbances to residents. We sincerely thank all citizens for their support and cooperation, which allowed the city to carry out its dengue fever prevention efforts effectively.
2. The Civil Affairs Bureau presented a report titled "2025 Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Operations" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Deputy Mayor Chao’s Comments:
(1) The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks and Yuejin Lantern Festival are renowned nationwide. Each year, during the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival period, the beehive fireworks celebration is a significant folk tradition in Taiwan. Ensuring safety should be the top priority when organizing these events. We extend our gratitude to the Environmental Protection Bureau, Transportation Bureau, Police Bureau, Fire Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Tourism and Travel Bureau, Public Health Bureau, Department of Information and International Relations, and the Yanshui District Office for their dedicated efforts and close collaboration during the event period.
(2) The emergency response center is tasked with effectively managing all emergencies and accidents. Relevant bureaus and departments are also requested to ensure proper rescue operations, providing the public with a safe environment while participating in exciting folk activities.
(3) The Fire Department is requested to conduct inspections of the firework fortresses prior to the parade. The Department of Information and International Relations is tasked with making appropriate arrangements for the international guests from friendship cities who are visiting or experiencing events in Tainan. The Transportation Bureau and Police Bureau are asked to plan and implement traffic diversion measures and carry out public information and awareness campaigns.