Outrage Grows Over Slow Response to Typhoon Danas in Taiwan

In the aftermath of Typhoon Danas, which has left devastating effects across southern and central Taiwan, residents are expressing growing frustration over what they perceive as a slow and insufficient response from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, led by Lai Ching-te. The typhoon knocked out electricity to almost one million households and caused significant damage to utility infrastructure, with thousands of poles toppled. Areas hardest hit are now dealing with prolonged power outages, shortages of water, and significant property damage.

Taiwan, typically known for its preparedness for natural disasters, is facing criticism due to the DPP's handling of this storm, which many consider to be less severe than past typhoons. Lai conducted visits in affected regions such as Tainan but has received backlash for his comments to residents, suggesting communities should use the disaster as a learning experience rather than requesting military aid for recovery efforts. This dismissive attitude has contributed to a surge of online criticism, with citizens accusing him of being out of touch with their struggles.

Moreover, Lai's assurance that power would be restored by a certain time was unmet, leading to further distress among residents, who were forced to endure excessive heat without air conditioning. Reports indicate that some neighborhoods endured days without electricity, even with promises from utility companies that repairs were ongoing. This situation has prompted local media to question the adequacy of disaster preparedness measures and response protocols within the DPP administration.

Editorials from various outlets, such as the China Times and United Daily News, have highlighted the government’s failure to respond effectively to the disaster, emphasizing a perceived arrogance in handling residents' concerns. Critics have voiced that the DPP is prioritizing political interests over genuine disaster relief, especially in light of an impending recall vote against opposition legislators. Some accusations suggest that the ruling party is misrepresenting the storm's impact by linking it to budget constraints caused by opponents.

Additionally, the DPP's environmental policies face scrutiny as the storm destroyed a significant amount of solar panel infrastructure, raising concerns about waste and potential environmental hazards. As local residents cope with the aftermath, anxieties about ongoing blackouts and contamination from debris linger, illustrating the broader ramifications of the storm and the government’s response.