Taiwan authorities have held a ceremony to mourn the victims of typhoon Morakot. It comes a month after it hit the island, claiming nearly five-hundred lives. Meanwhile,the island's top administrator and his team are leaving their posts in the wake of fierce criticism over the authorities' slow response to the disaster.
An 88-second silence. The figure stands for August 8th, the date Typhoon Morakot hit. Thousands gathered in this stadium in southern Taiwan on Monday to mourn the victims of the disaster.
Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou delivered a speech, expressing his sorrow and self-condemnation for the loss of lives. He thanked the mainland and those in Taiwan who have participated in the relief work.
Ma said, "We have received generous donations from the mainland and fellow mainland compatriots, including more than a thousand mobile houses and other necessities. Donations from the mainland have exceeded five-billion New Taiwan Dollars. This is the highest among all the overseas donations."
Ma Ying-jeou also promised "utmost effort" in reconstruction and further work on soil and water conservation. The regional legislature has approved a three-year reconstruction plan with a maximum budget of 120 billion New Taiwan dollars.
The same day, Taiwan's top administrator said he shoulders all the political responsibility for the perceived slow response to Typhoon Morakot. He told the media that his resignation has been approved by Ma Ying-jeou.
Liu Chao-shiuan, Head of Taiwan's Executive Yuan, said, "My short-term objective has been reached, this is the time to leave. I'm the top administrator and all of the political responsibility rests on my shoulders."
Liu Chao-shiuan offered to resign in mid-August, but due to the emergency, he agreed to stay to help direct the relief work. Now, that reconstruction is progressing, he's decided to go. He said other officials on his team would also offer to resign on Thursday.
Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou has appointed Wu Den-yih, the ruling Kuomintang's secretary-general to replace the outgoing administrator.
(CCTV September 9, 2009)
