TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Control Yuan member said on Monday (Nov. 4) the number of foreign nationals involved in traffic accidents has nearly doubled within four years and an investigation would be launched into the cause.
Yeh Ta-hua (葉大華) said, “Traffic safety has become an important national security issue,” per CTS News. Yeh said that based on the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) Road Safety website data, the number of foreigners injured or killed in traffic accidents nearly doubled from 6,213 in 2019 to 12,021 in 2023, a 93.48% increase. She cited the National Audit Office's 2023 report that the number of foreign nationals legally residing in Taiwan has only increased by 8.5% from over 780,000 in 2019 to more than 850,000 in 2023. She said the increase in traffic accidents exceeds the foreign resident growth rate. Yeh said most of these traffic accidents involve migrant workers from Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, with accident hotspots located in cities with larger migrant populations, such as Taoyuan and Taichung. She said this underscores the lack of effective traffic safety education and preventative measures from the MOTC, the Ministry of Labor (MOL), and local governments. She cited National Police Agency stats indicating over 60% of all traffic accident casualties involve scooter riders. The 2023 national statistics on foreign nationals from the MOTC also show scooters and e-bikes are the primary vehicles involved in these incidents. Data from the Highway Bureau in 2019 showed that the traffic violation rate within the first year of obtaining a scooter license was 11.6% for individuals who took the test without training. The rate dropped to 4.2% among those who received riding lessons, highlighting the importance of scooter rider education, said Yeh. Yeh said the Highway Bureau launched a scooter training subsidy program in 2019. This program was designed to support young people, including international students, who wish to obtain a license to take lessons. She said from 2019 to 2023, over 105,570 foreign nationals registered directly for the riding test without training, while only 7,146 took lessons, less than 7% of applicants. Yeh said it is essential to investigate the efficacy of interagency cooperation among the MOTC, MOL, and local governments in addressing traffic accidents involving foreign nationals and how traffic policies are implemented to ensure the safety of foreign residents.
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TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An 11-year-old boy was tragically killed in an accident involving two motorists while riding his bicycle at a crosswalk in Taichung on Sunday (Nov. 3).
The boy, surnamed Huang (黃), was crossing at a zebra crossing in Taichung’s Beitun District when he was initially hit by an electric scooter and then fatally run over by an SUV at the intersection of Dunhua Road, Section 2, and Renping Road. Huang’s father said his son was on his way to visit a classmate and questioned the speed of the motorists at the intersection, which had flashing yellow lights. Police detained the two motorists, surnamed Tang (湯) and Fu (傅), for questioning on Monday (Nov. 4). They were subsequently referred to prosecutors for further investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide, according to the Taichung Police Department. Reports indicate that Tang, age 29, was riding an electric scooter and approached Huang from the boy's left side, striking the back wheel of his bicycle and knocking him to the ground. Fu, age 32, who was also approaching from Huang's left in an SUV, then ran over him. Huang sustained multiple abrasions and contusions and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Both Tang and Fu tested negative for alcohol in their breathalyzer tests. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Plans to demolish Taipei’s Xinsheng-Heping Pedestrian Bridge have drawn protests from residents who argue the bridge should be preserved for its historical and community value.
In response to the outcry, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) asked the Transportation Department to consult with relevant agencies, including the New Construction Office, to review the plan. As a result, the city government has postponed the bridge's demolition until the end of November, allowing time for further discussions with residents. Protesters have gathered at the bridge since Saturday (Nov. 2), hanging banners and posters to voice their opposition. The Transportation Department explained that the demolition plan is based on safety concerns, as the bridge structure can obstruct drivers’ visibility when turning. Officials noted that the 42-year-old bridge is aging and may pose risks due to natural deterioration. Additionally, they pointed out that elderly residents and people with disabilities rarely use the bridge, suggesting that a street-level crossing could better serve these groups. Transportation Department Director Hsieh Ming-hong (謝銘鴻) cited a similar case where a pedestrian bridge was removed from the Xinyi-Keelung intersection, which led to a reduction in traffic accidents. Hsieh argued that removing the Xinsheng-Heping bridge could offer similar benefits, improving driver visibility and pedestrian safety through the addition of features like shelter islands and railings. He emphasized the importance of creating accessible, barrier-free travel options for seniors and people with limited mobility. Despite these arguments, community leaders and residents are urging the city to reconsider. Longpo Borough Chief Huang Shih-chuan (黃世詮) told reporters that the bridge is essential for pedestrian safety, especially for students from nearby Longan Elementary School. He suggested that the city should inspect the bridge to see if maintenance could ensure its safety, rather than opting for immediate demolition. "I’m firmly opposed to it being demolished just because they (the city) said so," Huang said. The group "Protect Xinsheng-Heping Pedestrian Bridge" has also launched a special exhibition, inviting residents to use chalk to create public art on the bridge, which has attracted numerous participants. A resident surnamed Chuang proposed that the bridge could be repurposed as an extension of Daan Forest Park, potentially serving as a viewing deck or a community market space. "It’s just a matter of whether there is the will to do it," Chuang added, emphasizing the importance of preserving community assets. For some, the bridge represents more than a simple crossing. Chen Hsiu-feng (陳秀鳳), an assistant professor at Shih Hsin University, visited the bridge after reading a Facebook post by a woman whose late husband had designed it. She believes public policy should consider both preservation and public safety, finding a balance that respects historical and aesthetic significance while ensuring the safety of all users. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Immigration Agency (NIA) clarified the requirements for foreigners seeking to apply for permanent residency in Taiwan on Monday (Nov. 4), responding to questions raised by netizens on the forum Dcard.
The NIA stated that while living in Taiwan for five consecutive years with at least 183 days of residency per year is a basic requirement, additional criteria must also be met. According to Taiwan’s immigration laws, applicants must be over 18, have no criminal record, demonstrate “considerable property, skills, or talents” to support their living expenses, and meet the “national interests of the state.” For financial requirements, applicants must provide proof of an average monthly income over double the Ministry of Labor’s basic salary from the previous year or property and assets worth more than NT$5 million (US$156,606). Applicants who wish to obtain an APRC (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate) based on “skills and talent” must present a Taiwan government-recognized professional or technical skill license or certificate. To support Taiwan's talent recruitment efforts, the NIA noted that foreigners with specific professional qualifications only need three consecutive years of legal residency to qualify for permanent residency. Those classified as “senior professional talent” are exempt from the five-year residency requirement. Furthermore, foreign professionals who obtained permanent residency can apply for permanent residency for their spouses and dependents. The NIA said their dependents must also have legally resided in Taiwan for at least 183 days per year for three consecutive years. The NIA emphasized its commitment to creating a welcoming immigration environment and plans to continue relaxing relevant regulations to attract foreign professional talent to Taiwan. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Typhoon Kong-rey caused the Smangus Indigenous village in Hsinchu’s Jianshi Township to be cut off from outside transportation, stranding 150 people in what is said to be Taiwan's most remote community.
The Hsinchu County Government Fire Department said it received a message from the Jianshi Township Office that rockslides from the typhoon made roads impassable into the Smangus village. The township official requested a helicopter deliver emergency supplies to the area. Unfortunately, heavy fog blocked the mission on Sunday (Nov. 3). The helicopter successfully delivered supplies to the village on Monday (Nov. 4), including 1.2 tons of food and medicine. A bridge leading to the Smangus village was washed away by floodwaters, cutting off the area. County officials expected the road to be open within a week, allowing vital supplies to arrive. However, the time frame was stretched to a minimum of 10 days due to falling rocks and unstable geography, making it difficult for heavy vehicles to enter. Furthermore, officials said the risk to personnel due to falling rocks is too high. If bridge repair can not be completed, the government will evaluate building another bridge elsewhere to provide access to the village. Currently, supplies to the village will be delivered by helipads in Zhudong Township and Smangus village. Smangus Atayal are known as "God’s Tribe" for living in remote areas. During the Japanese colonial era, they were forced to live in more accessible regions, but after the Japanese left, they returned to their ancestral villages. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Typhoon Kong-rey left three dead and 690 injured, while there was an estimated NT$487.3 million (US$15.25 million) in agricultural damages, reports said Saturday (Nov. 2).
The fatalities were a Thai woman, age 56, whose truck was hit by a falling tree in Nantou County, and a man, age 48, who died after a utility pole fell on him as he was riding a scooter in Taipei’s Neihu District. The Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC) added a third death Saturday afternoon, a migrant worker who had fallen off a platform in Taoyuan's Guanyin District. The number of injured rose from 580 to 690 on Saturday. Four people reported missing during the typhoon were found in Nantou and airlifted to safety. Helicopters supplied food and other necessities to areas in Taoyuan and Hsinchu cut off from the outside by collapsed bridges and roads, according to the CEOC. The storm passed across Taiwan Thursday (Oct. 31) and devastated farmers’ fields in several parts of the country. Yunlin registered NT$178 million in damage, with Hualien following at NT$158 million. Garlic, corn, sugar apples, rice, and peanuts were the worst-hit crops. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) inspected typhoon damage in Yilan, paying special attention to water management. The central government budget for the year includes more than NT$30 billion to be spent on the issue, with the sum rising to NT$55.1 billion for next year. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) meanwhile toured a fruit farm in Taitung. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taipei Zoo will only open up part of its grounds to the public on Saturday (Nov. 2) while cutting the general admission fare by half to NT$50 (US$1.56).
The storm caused the collapse of more than 2,000 trees across Taipei, including some inside the zoo. The popular day trip destination remained closed Friday (Nov. 1) as work to repair the damage and remove the fallen trees was not completed in time. Only a limited number of areas, including the panda, koala, and insect pavilions, the children’s zoo, the Taiwanese animal zone, and the education center, will open to the public Saturday. Trees still block paths and activity areas inside the tropical, temperate, and African animal zones, while fences have also been damaged. The shuttle train inside the zoo will not operate on Saturday, while some routes will be closed to allow the movement of heavy machinery needed to remove the fallen trees, zoo management said. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A large number of dead fish were found floating in Tainan Canal early Friday (Nov. 1), likely due to low oxygen levels caused by heavy rain from Typhoon Kong-rey.
Personnel were sent to remove the dead fish and garbage from the canal. Since the canal was dredged and connected to Anping Harbor, water quality has improved noticeably, according to Yahoo news. Populations of tilapia, milkfish, and grey mullet have spawned. However, heavy rains can stir up sediment in the canal, disturbing the water and harming water quality. Heavy rain can also wash nutrients, sediment, and organic matter into waterways. This leads to chemical and biological imbalances, according to Rock River Coalition. As bacteria decompose excess organic matter, they consume significant amounts of oxygen. If the waterbody experiences widespread low oxygen levels, fish may not be able to find areas with sufficient oxygen, leading to fish die-offs. Water tests from samples collected showed normal pH levels of 7.5. A critically low dissolved oxygen level of 0.68 mg/L was measured. When the dissolved oxygen level in a river drops below 3.0 mg/L, it becomes detrimental or even fatal to most fish species. Only pollution-tolerant fish such as tilapia and mosquito fish can thrive in such conditions. If the number falls below 2.0 mg/L, the majority of fish species cannot survive. To maintain a healthy aquatic environment for fish, the dissolved oxygen level should be above 5 mg/L. Earlier this year, Keelung’s Dawulun River experienced a fish kill, with approximately 630 dead fish discovered. Low oxygen levels were also identified as the primary cause of death. Water samples showed critically low dissolved oxygen levels of 0.76 mg/L. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Members of the public vented frustration on Friday (Nov. 1) at the amount of debris on Taipei’s streets from Typhoon Kong-rey.
Others criticized the decision to maintain regular work and school schedules on Friday, saying their commute felt like an “obstacle course,”. The Taipei Public Works Department apologized to the public, and Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) ordered work to be completed as soon as possible. During a press briefing, Chiang explained that Thursday's weather forecast showed a significant decrease in wind and rain in Taipei, below the threshold for canceling work and school. After discussion among Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan, Chiang said a collective decision was made to resume normal schedules. The Taipei Department of Environmental Protection mobilized 5,000 workers, while the Public Works Department deployed five divisions and collaborated with the Taipei Fire Department to remove over 2,000 fallen trees from roads. Chiang added that all departments worked together, and by 9 a.m., around 80% of major roads had been cleared. He said efforts are underway to clean up alleys as quickly as possible. The Public Works Department reported that it began joint rescue operations at midnight, clearing streets of fallen trees and broken branches to meet residents' needs for work and school transportation. The Department of Environmental Protection asked citizens for patience and support. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A married couple from the Czech Republic who went missing in the mountains of Hualien as Typhoon Kong-rey struck on Thursday (Oct. 31) were rescued by helicopter on Friday.
In anticipation of the typhoon, Taroko National Park authorities on Wednesday warned hikers to clear the area, but the Czech couple had switched their phones off for more than 48 hours, making it impossible for officials to contact them. After a series of efforts to locate them by the national park, it was confirmed on Thursday that they were safe. The pair were attempting to hike along Qilai East Ridge and had taken shelter above the Yue Wang Pavilion trailhead, where they pitched a tent for the night. On Friday morning, an air rescue helicopter was dispatched and located the couple at 7 a.m., flying them to safety. On Thursday night, Typhoon Kong-rey brought heavy rain to the Tianxiang Scenic Area of Taroko Gorge accumulating over 1,200 millimeters of rainfall. There were also two earthquakes. The National Airborne Service Corps said that despite staying in a tent, the Czech couple, 38-year-old Stanislav Vosolsobe and his 35-year-old wife Anna, were at risk of hypothermia due to the severe typhoon and heavy rain. After receiving a request from the Hualien County Fire Department, a Black Hawk helicopter stationed in Hualien was dispatched for the mission, taking off at 6:11 a.m. At 7:08 a.m., a rescuer was lowered to the ground, and after evaluating the couple’s condition, the hoisting was completed at 7:30 a.m. They were taken to Hualien Baseball Stadium and then to the hospital for further care. After descending the mountain the couple reported that they were in good condition. |
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