Immediate Aid Brings Financial and Emotional Comfort

Tzu Chi's initial response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Ragasa on September 23, 2025 focused on providing immediate financial and material aid to the affected communities in Hualien. From October 4 to 6, the first distribution was held at the National Kuangfu Senior Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School Activity Center, primarily serving residents of Dahua Village and Datong Village.

To provide immediate relief, each affected household received 50,000 NTD (approximately 1,624 USD) in relief funds. This was paired with Mid-Autumn care packages, which included essential non-perishable food items such as instant noodles, instant rice, multigrain powder, vegetarian floss, crackers, and ready-to-eat vegetarian stew. Additionally, kindhearted entrepreneurs donated new clothing, nutritional drinks, and mooncakes, aiming to bring a sense of warmth and normalcy during a difficult and emotional time.

Profound Gratitude from Survivors

Many residents expressed profound gratitude for the swift assistance. Ms. Li, a survivor, was visibly moved upon seeing the collective effort of military personnel, volunteers, and Dharma Masters from the Jing Si Abode at the distribution site. "When things happen, you can only accept them," she shared, "but I am so grateful for Tzu Chi volunteers helping to clean up our homes and for so many people caring."

Mr. Cai from Datong Village recounted the overwhelming task of clearing the thick mud and debris. "Two or three days after the disaster, many volunteers and military personnel came to help. Otherwise, we wouldn't know when we could finish cleaning," he said. "I'm very thankful for these "Shovel Heroes" and the military brothers who helped us survivors." He added that the relief funds would be crucial for replacing damaged furniture, with a washing machine being his first priority. Other residents, like Mr. Wang from Dahua Village (whose car was destroyed) and Mr. Jiang from Datong Village (who faced a double blow with two damaged homes), also emphasized that the cash aid provided a vital starting point for replacing essential household items and rebuilding.

The Power of Intergenerational Volunteers

Po-Wen Yen (顏博文), CEO of Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, highlighted the "Shovel Heroes" – volunteers from across Taiwan who joined the clean-up, forming a powerful network of support. The clean-up was particularly challenging in Guangfu, which has a high proportion of elderly residents. Volunteers faced extended travel times, rerouting via Provincial Highway 11 and railway due to damaged bridges.

Despite the initial slow progress—300 volunteers clearing only 15 homes on the first day—media reports quickly inspired a surge in participants. The mobilization efforts were massive:

• Over 6,000 hot meals daily were provided, some delivered by helicopter.
• Medical volunteers from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) traversed the affected areas with medicine kits, offering immediate care.
• Charging stations were set up at the train station, and local businesses spontaneously offered food and drinks, showcasing the community's warmth.

By October 5th, Tzu Chi had distributed relief funds to 1,111 households in Guangfu Township, totaling over $1.79 million USD. CEO Yen noted the inspiring participation of young people, many of whom came independently, walking into disaster zones to help elderly residents. He described the volunteers as a "Justice League," completing most of the clean-up within a week. Statistics revealed a total of 18,400 volunteer shifts during the disaster. The average age of non-Tzu Chi volunteers was 29, while Tzu Chi volunteers averaged 60, demonstrating a powerful and effective blend of intergenerational support. Indigenous residents at Guangfu Station held signs to thank the 'Shovel Heroes', a deeply moving expression of gratitude.

Second Wave of Aid and Long-Term Recovery

As the immediate clean-up progressed, Tzu Chi transitioned to its long-term commitment to recovery. Before the Double Ten Day holiday, a second wave of distributions began on October 9, targeting residents in Da'an Village, Daping Village, Dama Village, and Atomo Tribe. Beyond financial aid and supplies, Tzu Chi also initiated home repair projects and provided essential assistive devices to those in need. Ongoing services included a medical station at Guangfu Sugar Factory, a service point at Guangfu Train Station, and mobile food trucks.

The needs remained profound. Mr. Wang from Da'an Village expressed his despair: "When these things happen, you really want to cry but have no tears. My home was completely submerged, and the losses are incalculable." Ms. Fan, a single mother of two in Da'an Village, faced an uncertain future after her shop was destroyed and her home damaged. "Where we go next is still unknown. Fortunately, I have the relief funds from the government and Tzu Chi," she shared.

Village Chief Zhen-Xiong Xu (徐振雄) of Da'an Village tirelessly served his community despite his own home being damaged and suffering a foot injury during rescue efforts. At a Tzu Chi distribution, he continued to assist villagers, only remembering to take his cellulitis prevention medication after a volunteer reminded him. "I thank all the kindhearted people and Tzu Chi for their care and help to our village. With this support, our villagers can recover quickly," he stated

Delivering Essential Assistive Devices and Home Repairs

The floods tragically swept away essential assistive devices, particularly affecting the elderly. Tzu Chi volunteers transported electric beds, wheelchairs, walkers, air mattresses, commode chairs, and canes from central and northern Taiwan. The first delivery on October 9 was to Grandpa and Grandma Jiang, an elderly couple near Guangfu Station whose beds were ruined. After their daughter applied for an electric bed to help 90-year-old Grandpa Jiang, who had injured his back clearing mud, Tzu Chi volunteers swiftly delivered the bed. They also noticed the couple's need for walkers and provided those as well. "Everyone is so loving, giving us this, thank you!" Grandpa Jiang gratefully exclaimed.

In Dama Village, the Li family's home was submerged under two meters of mud, and their interior was stripped bare during the heavy machinery clean-up. With their source of income also destroyed, Tzu Chi initiated critical repair work, prioritizing electrical and plumbing restoration, septic tank excavation, and window/screen repairs for privacy and hygiene. While the family was grateful, they worried about potential government relocation. Tzu Chi assured them by also providing foldable beds and partitions, ensuring they would have a temporary, sanitary living environment and would not have to sleep on the ground.

The collective efforts of volunteers, military personnel, and community members, supported by Tzu Chi's timely and comprehensive aid, are steadily guiding Guangfu Township towards recovery. The spirit of mutual assistance and compassion continues to shine through, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Written by Chen Yi-chien (陳誼謙), Peng Min-fen (彭敏芬)