ICRT

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck off the coast of southeastern Taiwan at
3:00 p.m. today.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The Central Weather Administration said the epicenter of the temblor was
located at sea, about 48 kilometers east-southeast of Taitung County Hall, at
a depth of 13.1 km.

The earthquake's intensity was highest in Taitung County, where it measured 4
on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale.

The quake also measured an intensity of 3 in Hua-lien, Chia-yi, Yun-lin and
Tai-nan.

Meanwhile, Taiwan Railway says trains have been ordered to reduce speed on
several sections of track following the earthquake.

They were all passing through the eastern railroad in Hua-lien and Tai-tung.

(CNA JL)

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

DPP lawmakers say, the Cabinet's special drone funding bill would offer more
stability than the opposition version.

That's as lawmakers prepare to take another go at drone funding negotiations
tomorrow, and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has said that he hopes a third
reading can be completed within the week.

Lawmaker Zhong Jia Bin says, the multi-year cabinet version would provide
more stable funding year-over-year...

while opposition versions are written into the 2027 central government
budgets.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of long-term contracts for
developing the domestic supply chain.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

Pingtung

Rescuers in Pingtung are searching for an elderly man suspected of having
been swept away by floodwarers yesterday.

The 70 year old man and his wife were motorcycling around the Wandan area
yesterday.

It is understood that they were not paying attention to the floodwaters and
were swept into a river.

Fortunately, the wife was able to hold onto a tree and got rescued later, but
her husband is still missing.

Authorities have deployed search teams and drones in an effort to find the
man...

but conditions are still poor due to ongoing rain and high water levels.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

Now turning to international news..

Israel has killed at least 4 people today in Gaza, including two kids.

Residents evacuated after receiving notice of strikes, with some uing canes
or wheelchairs to navigate the destroyed terrain.

That's as the US says it asked Israel to "reduce attacks" last week.

In the 7 days since the US made that claim, Israel announced strikes on 6
days.

Since an agreement last October, Israel has killed at least 1288 Palestinians
in Gaza.

5 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the same time period.

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

Anti-Ukrainian sentiment is growing in Poland, after the country initially
was one of the first to welcome refugees when Russia launched its full scale
invasion of the country.

One Ukrainian woman living in Poland launched a support group for female
Ukrainian refugees escaping gender-based violence in 2022.

But now she struggles to keep the organization above water, as funding for
refugee support runs dry and hostility towards Ukrainians grows.

The organization, called Martynka, has hoted more than 100 women and children
to escape abusers and access medical care, psychological support, jobs, and
housing.

But, as Martynka faces financial troubles, efforts to fundraise have been
meant with online abuse.

Founders say, it's due to the associations with Ukraine.

Around 3.5 million Ukrainians fled to Poland in the first weeks of the war.

The government granted refugees access to jobs and social security benefits.

But the refugees have increasingly become targets of anti-Ukrainian rhetoric,
particularly since last year's elections.

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:13

Local Hualien officials say that two access roads in the county have been
severed after days of heavy rain in the south and east.

In Fuli and Yuli townships, the Yuchang and Luntian access roads were broken
by floodwaters.

Officials say they've reported the issue to the county government and are
discussing repair options.

Authorities emphasize that the roads have cracked and become impassable.

Drivers are advised to take alternative routes.

The Mingli Bridge, however, has reopened given the relatively lighter level
of rain.

Meanwhile, emergency workers are continuing to search for a man surnamed
Huang, who's suspected to have been swept away in floods.

And in Kaohsiung...

a landslide has blocked off part of the Provincial Highway 20 Baiyun Temple
Road.

Officials say they're working to clear the blockage now, and traffic is
expected to resume later this evening.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:20

In a related news...

Heavy rain has continued to pound southern Taiwan today with the accumulated
rainfall having reached 260 millimeters in Kaohsiung Zuo-ying (左營) and 230 in
Ping-tung Shi-zi (獅子) Township so far.

The Central Emergency Operation Center said 35 locations remain inundated in
the south as of noontime, while more than 6,100 residents have been evacuated
from high-risk areas since Saturday.

The Center noted that Water Resources Agency officials have deployed 80 large
water pumps to help drain flood water.

Red alerts also remain in effect for 57 potential mudslide areas and three
areas at risk of large-scale landslides.

Although the rain is expected to ease starting today, people in mountainous
areas are still being warned to watch out for landslides, falling rocks and
debris flows.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:20

The Ministry of Agriculture is launching a campaign to encourage owners to
register their pets, offering vouchers worth 300 NT.

The ministry says 30-thousand pet shopping vouchers are available, with the
aim of raising registration coverage across the island's 3.2 million domestic
pets.

The government is also offering a grand prize draw for 100 pet health checkup
packages valued at 3,000 NT.

Under the Animal Protection Act, owners must microchip and register dogs and
cats once they reach four months of age, or face fines up to $15-thousand NT.

Officials say the ministry will conduct a live public drawing on October 2nd,
sending winning vouchers directly to participating pet owners.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:22

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 407 points to
close the session at 45169.

The turnover was 696 billionNT

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:22

In the US,

the Federal Bureau of Investigation is announcing tens of thousands of
dollars for help in solving cold cases involving Native Americans.

The move is part of a broader effort to address high rates of violence
affecting such communities.

But victims' families and experts have mixed reactions.

Some hope that the money will being fresh attention to such cases...

but others aren't sure that a reward will be enough to encourage witnesses to
come forward.

The minimum 25,000 USD will apply to more than 50 cases.

Experts say, some may be reluctant to turn over a friend or relative to a
system that has failed to serve them in the past.

Posted on 2026-08-25 13:06:13

by 3

The Taiwan Railways Corporation says, a landslide has taken place on the
southern link line, obstructing traffic in both directions...

but it's expected to be cleared before 3pm today.

TRC says that the landslide took place between Fangshan枋山 and Fangye枋野
stations.

This comes as Pingtung's Fangshan township has gotten over 200 milimeters of
rain today as of 12:45.

Meanwhile, TRC says some trains running between Fangliao, Qidu, Fangye, Dawu,
and Taitung stations will be rerouted.

Passengers are advised to check their reservations or the TRC website before
heading to the station.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 13:06:19

Now turning to international news...

Nikkei Asia is reporting that Japan's ruling party will propose hundreds of
millions of dollars in funding to help buy undersea cable ships.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will include the nearly
630 million US dollars in next year's budget.

It is reportedly considering covering about half of the cost of procuring
such ships...

which have a price tag of more than 8 billion NT

It will be the first time that Japan directly supports the purchase of such
ships.

This comes as security concerns have grown, with cable disruptions near
Taiwan and in Europe raising suspicion of Chinese and Russian involvement.

During Japan's devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, undersea cables
around the country were severed.

A shortage of cable-laying vessels would make it more difficult to respond to
such challenges.

Posted on 2026-08-25 13:06:18

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An says, the city government will do its utmost in
restoring Wenshan District's Zhinan temple...

following a fire last night that devastated the main building of the complex.

Chiang noted that that none were harmed in the fire, and said that the cause
of the fire was under investigation.

Firefighters say that the entire first floor of the building was destroyed in
addition to part of the second floor.

They add that the fire was exacerbated by the wood construction and paper
money and incense in the temple.

Plus, Zhinan gong's relatively difficult-to-reach location also made it
harder for firefighters to fight the fire, with efforts continuing past
midnight this morning.

Mayor Chiang says, the city has established a one-stop service window for
reconstruction efforts, and added that he hopes the temple can be restored as
quickly as possible.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 13:06:20

Authorities in Indonesia's South Sumatra are praying for rain as forest fires
continue across parts of the country.

About 3000 residents gathered to perform a mass islamic prayer seeking rain
as smoke has reduced visibility and disrupted daily life.

South Sumatra has recorded the highest number of wildfire hot spots in
Indonesia.

Local officials say the prayer completed ongoing firefighting efforts,
including water-bombing and cloud-seeding operations.

The fires, driven by prolonged dry weather and an intensifying El Nino
pattern, have scorched vast areas and spread haze to neighboring countries as
well.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:13

In news from and abour Taiwan this morning ...

Officials from the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office have searched the
legislative office of K-M-T lawmaker Chen Hsueh-sheng.

Chen's Matsu office was also searched.

Prosecutors says the raids were carried out as part of an investigsation into
allegations that Chen lobbied on behalf of a shipping company owned by the
family of the chairman of the Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing
Corporation.

According to the prosecutors' office, that company secured more than
800-million N-T worth of contracts from C-P-C between 2004 and 2020.

Prosecutors also say Chen is being investigated for allegedly using relatives
and associates to fraudulently claim government-funded aide expenses.

Some 20 people, including Chen's brother have been questioned in connection
with the investigation.

Prosecutors says Chen is facing possible charges of violating the
Anti-Corruption Act and other offenses.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

The Central Weather Administration says there is a low probability of Typhoon
Saudel making landfall in Taiwan, but uncertainty remains over its track in
the later stages, including how close it will come to Taiwan.

Typhoon Saudel is currently located some 1,000-kilometers east of Taipei and
is moving in a west-northwesterly direction at 21-kilomters-an-hour.

The storm has a radius of 220-kilometers and is packing sustained wind speeds
of 172-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 208-kilometers-an-hour.

The weather administration's forecast center says Typhoon Saudel is expected
to gradually weaken after its reaches Japan's Ryukyu Islands.

If the storm continues on it current projected path, Saudel is forecast to
move over waters north of Taiwan on Thursday and Friday - when it will have
its most significant impact on the island ...

... as it's storm circulation will affect northern parts of Taiwan proper and
the outlying island of Matsu.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

The Taiwan-based Chinese National Federation of Industries says labor
shortages are a major issue facing the country's industrial development.

The warning is included in the federation's 2026 white paper.

According to federation vice chairman Zhan Cheng-tien, a declining birth rate
and aging population are worsening the labor shortage and the lack of workers
is a pressing challenge in terms of enhancing industrial innovation and
economic resilience.

The white paper suggests the government review its policy on migrant workers
by shifting from a focus on the 3-K industries -- those considered to
dangerous, dirty and intense -- to one guided by actual labor shortages.

The federation is urging the government to extend the length of time
industrial migrant workers can stay in Taiwan from 12 to 14 years, and
calling on it to seek alternative sources of migrant workers beyond Vietnam,
Thailand and Indonesia.

The federation says a recent survey shows that 76.6-per cent of its members
say the labor shortage is their top concern.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

Reports are saying the Air Force's AT-3 trainer aircraft has completed its
final flight-training missions and been fully replaced by the Brave Eagle
advanced jet trainer.

The AT-3 had been one of the Air Force's trainer aircraft since it entered
service in 1984.

It was jointly developed by the Aero Industry Development Center, the
predecessor of Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation and U-S company
Northrop.

The Taichung-based Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation later
developed the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer to gradually replace the aging
fleet of AT-3s under the government's indigenous defense program.

Reports say the AT-3s final flight-training missions were completed in late
July.

An official decommissioning ceremony has yet to be held and the Air Force has
released not details concerning when the could be.

The Air Force held a handover ceremony at its Gangshan base in Kaohsiung in
August last year for the Thunder Tigers aerobatic team, which previously flew
the AT-3s.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

The Ministry of the Interior says Taiwan's average life expectancy stood at
81.27 in 2025, up from 80.77 a year earlier.

Taipei recorded the longest average life expectancy rate of 83.98 last year.

According to the ministry, the national average life expectancy had not
returned to the pre-COVID 19 peak of 81.32 in 2020 despite the year-on-year
rise.

However, the ministry says Taiwan's average was higher than the global
average of 73.5 in 2025.

Average life expectancy for both women and men in Taiwan was higher than the
global average of 76.2 years and 70.9 years.

Data shows that number of deaths moved lower for the third consecutive year
in 2025 as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic eased, down by 1,674 from a
year earlier to stand at 199,639.

The number of deaths at ages of 65 or older in 2025 accounted for 76.1
percent of the national total.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

And finally,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says donations raised through a dedicated
bank account set up by the government to help people affected by the
magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture late last
month has surpassed 300-million N-T.

The designated Mega International Commercial Bank account was set up on
August 1 and will continue to accept public donations until August 31.

According to the foreign ministry, the government and its Japanese
counterparts are still discussing how the funds will be used to assist
post-disaster relief efforts in Kumamoto after the one-month donation period
ends.

The ministry says more details will be announced later.

Along with the fund raising campaign, the government has already donated
5-million N-T to support Japan's reconstruction efforts following the
earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Posted on 2026-08-24 17:08:13

Central Union

A poll has shown that a slight majority of the public is dissatisfied with
the speed that the government recalled and removed oil contaminated in the
Central Union scandal...

while over 2/3rds of respondents said that they were worried about eating
contaminated oil.

The poll, from the Grassroots Influence Foundation also found that a majority
of respondents said they did not agree with an initial decision to only
recall items with over 20% of the contaminated oil.

Of all statistics presented by the foundation, the highest consensus, at over
80%, was appproval of penalties leveled at Central Union over the
contamination...

but only 1/3rd of people were satisfied with the government's handling of the
issue.

And, nearly half of respondents believe the cabinet should be reshuffled over
the mishandling.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 17:08:13

Now turning to international news...

Amnesty for political offenses committed in Thailand over the past 20 years
has gone into effect...

but it excludes some more serious cases, like those involving defamation of
the monarchy.

That decision has drawn much criticism, with opponents saying an amnesty law
that does not include amnesty for criticizing the moarchy will fail to
resolve the country's political divisions.

A committee chair chaired by the prime mnister will determine who qualifies
for amnesty.

It will grant release for current prisoners and clear their records...

in addition to closing investigations and dismissing pending court cases.

Posted on 2026-08-24 17:08:13

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is proposing to ban kids under
16 from social media.

However, the proposal does not have enough support from his coalition
government to pass.

Acknowledging the shortfall, Luxon said that his governmetn would enact the
restrictions if he's reelected.

If he is successful in making the changes, New Zealand would be the latest
country to enact such restructions for social media platforms.

Luxon said that last year's research shows that one third of Kiwi teenagers
spend at least 5 hours daily on social media.

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

The Central Weather Administration says, a sea warning could be issued for
Typhoon Saudel as early as Wednesday.

The storm is expected to pass closest to Taiwan Thursday and Friday, but it's
too early to say if the storm will make landfall in Taiwan.

Forecasters say, the north can expect gradually heavier rain starting
Thursday. Until then those in the north should still some sunshine Tuesday
and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, heavy rain continues particularly across the south and east due to
a low pressure system and strong southwesterly winds.

The Water Resources Agency says, most areas have seen water levels retreat,
and water pumps are currently being utilized in Tainan, Kaohsuing, and
Pingtung.

As of 3:30, parts of Hualien have been hardest-hit by the rain, with the
county's Fuli township getting over 360 milimeters of rain total.

And...

Taiwan Railways says, it will continue suspending reserved-seat service on
its eastern main line after 6pm today due to ongoing heavy rain...

while local trains will operate depending on weather conditions.

And on the northern semi-circle, all reserved-seat trains except for 176 from
Chaozhou to Ruifang will only go as far as Qidu station.

As for tomorrow, TRC says, it'll release information at 10pm this evening.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

The DPP legislative caucus is calling for fewer thresholds for the special
budget plan to procure domestically produced drones.

DPP lawmakers warn that too many restrictions could hinder the development of
Taiwan's defense capabilities and the unmanned vehicle industry.

There are currently 14 different versions of the proposed Unmanned Vehicle
Act, brought forward by the Cabinet, and the opposition KMT and the TPP.

The Cabinet in June proposed a special budget bill for defense drones
totaling $210 billion NT over six years.

Recent cross-party negotiations to integrate those proposals have failed to
reach a consensus, and they are now pending a plenary session's vote on the
28th.

DPP caucus secretary-general Zhuang Rui-xiong (莊瑞雄) said today that drone
technology is advancing rapidly worldwide, and Taiwan needs to catch up with
bigger investment as quickly as possible.

He added that he's optimistic the long-stalled draft bill will pass on Friday.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

Deputy Legislative Speaker Jiang Qi Chen is heading to Japan to participate
in the Asian Pacific Parliamentarians' Union.

Representing Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Jiang is leading a tripartisan group of
lawmakers to the Japanese capital, including the KMT's Hong Meng Kai and Wang
Yu Min...

the DPP's Chen Guan Ting and Luo Meiling, and the TPP's Xu Zhong Xin, among
others.

A statement from the Legislature said that the delegation would make full use
of the opportunity to conduct international outreach and maintain good
relations.

Among the topics expected to be discussed with Japanese lawmakers in
particular are trade, culture, and bilateral relations.

The Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union was established in 1965 and is a
long-established transnational parliamentary organization in Asia.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

Now turning to international news...

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is in Ukraine today to meet his Ukrainian
counterpart.

The visit coincides with the Ukrainian Independence Day, and is Burnham's
first overseas trip since taking office.

Other European leaders are also in Kyiv.

Burnham's office says the British government agreed to allow a domesic
defense company to release classified information about British components to
Ukraine...

in a move that could advance plans for local production in Ukraine.

Burnham is also expected to take part in Independence Day commemorations and
discuss continued international support for Ukraine during the coalition of
the willing meeting.

Ukraine marks 35 years of independence today following the collapse of the
Soviet Union in 1991.

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

Japanese lawmakers are in Beijing to meet with Chinese officials for the
first visit since tensions rose following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's
comments over Taiwan.

The group from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party aims to mend strained
ties.

Tensions between Japan and China have affected the economy and bilateral
communications.

One lawmaker from the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance noted that during
previous lows between the two countries, there was still communication...

but that now, all channels between officials and ministries have been cut
off.

Since stating that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could justify Japanaese
military force, Takaichi has not retracted her comments.

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

Continual rain in Kaohsiung has created hazardous road conditions and
flooding.

Authorities are warning of poor road conditions, particularly in the city's
Qianzhen and Renwu districts, where flooding has created potholes as wide as
3 meters across.

Other areas of Kaohsiung, particularly in the mountains, are experiencing
flooding and are at risk of landslides.

The city government has already evacuated more than 2500 people.

This comes as Kaohsiung has gotten as much as 693 milimeters of rain from
yesterday through 1:30 today.

Meanwhile, disaster relief workers have dispatched man and mechanic power to
relieve areas in the south of flooding.

Over 1000 people were called up with equipment including generators and water
pumps to offer assistance to areas across the south affected by flooding.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

A wall that's part of old Tai-nan's East Gate, built under the Qing dynasty,
has collapsed due to days of heavy rain in the city.

Established some 300 years ago, the wall had been undergoing renovations
since November of last year, with scaffolding still up last week.

A preliminary investigation suggests that the issue was caused by an excess
of rain water seeping into the foundational structure.

The wall apparently collapsed between 5 and 6 am today, with nearby residents
reporting the issue and police controlling traffic in the area.

Locals say the wall also previously collapsed about 70 years ago before
undergoing repairs in the 1970s.

Officials say the collapse may have been due to incomplete repairs
exacerbated by the excessive rain...

with parts of Tainan getting over 630 milimeters of rain since early
yesterday.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

Asian shares are mostly lower, with Tokyo's Nikkei falling .5% and South
Korea's Kospi losing 3.5%.

Taiwan shares are also down today with the benchmark tai ex losing 462 points
to close the session at 44,762.

The turnover was 629.4 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

Military officials from Uganda and Burundi have visited Israel to discuss
deploying troops to Gaza.

Official say that they would be part of what the so-called Board of Peace
describes as an international stabilization force for Gaza.

Uganda's parliament approved the troop contribution this month, while Burundi
hasn't commented publicly.

They would follow Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania in committing
forces.

Indonesia earlier said it was preparing to send 8,000 troops, by far the
largest commitment, but put that on hold after the U.S. and Israel attacked
Iran.

The 20,000-member force would be led by a U.S. major in theory, but the
amoutn of troops committed remain far short of that goal.

Progress on the force and the ceasefire has slowed because of disagreements
over Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas’ disarmament.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

Iceland will vote this weekend on whether or not to join the European Union.

The issue has ignited discussions over sovereignty, with supporters believing
it offers protection and economic benefits...

while opponents say that the country already enjoys European integration
without losing control over resources.

The referendum will ask voters about resuming accession negotiations.

A yes vote would mean a length negotiation process, particularly for fishing
rights...

as Iceland hopes to maintain control over rich fishing groups.

It's expected to be a close results.

Posted on 2026-08-24 13:06:13

Landslide alerts have been issued for nearly 350 areas across the south and
east today due to ongoing heavy rain and flooding.

As of 12:30, Hualien County's Fuli township had gotten the most rain of all
of Taiwan today, with nearly 360 milimeters since midnight.

The Ministry of Agriculture is warning of landslides across Chiayi County,
Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung, and Hualien, concentrated in 32
townships.

The areas with the highest level of risk are in Kaohsiung Maolin district's
Wanshan and Maolin villages, as well as in the Liugui Xinglong and Xinfa
neighborhoods...

as well as in Pingtung's Laiyi village and Taitung's Yanping Hongye village.

Residents of areas under red alerts are advised to evacuate immediately.

Meanwhile, evacuations have already begun in parts of Pingtung, where several
roads have flooded.

Authorities in the mountainous regions of the county already evacuated 700
residents due to risk of landslides and flooding.

Officials also warn of flooding across several roads in the county, including
Wandan township's Xingnong road, Section 2 Zhongzheng road in Donggang
Township, Provincial Highway 17 at Donggang and Mingde Road...

and across other areas as well.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 13:06:13

Officials are maintaining a red alert for Hualien's Wan-li river barrier
lake, warning that it could overflow despite the water level actually going
down since early this morning.

Hualien authorities note that the amount of water in the lake has decreased
by about one million tonnes, but emphasize that the risk of danger remains
present.

The Hualien branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says, the
water level began decreasing this morning around 1am and continued for about
4 hours...

with the water level dropping by about 2.4 meters in total.

Officials say that the risk of flood is for now mostly confined to the river
channel...

so the area is currently off-limits to the public, as residents are urged the
remain vigilant.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 13:06:16

In Guinea, a mountainous heap of refuse has collapsed in the largest landfill
in the capital, killing 30 people.

Heavy rain started around 2 a.m. on Sunday and washed over the refuse,
triggering a landslide that buried nearby shacks.

An official said the site was designated for closure on Sunday.

Locals living around the landfill had been given eviction notices.

Many had left, but many others were still around when the landslide happened.

Guinea is mineral-rich, but according to the World Bank, 43.7% of the
population of the west African country lives below the national poverty line.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:14

Local governments in Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung and Hualien
says offices and schools will be closed today as torrential or heavy rain is
effecting the areas.

The local governments announced the closures after the Central Weather
Administration forecast that rainfall would reach the thresholds for work and
school suspensions.

Authorities in all of the areas are also warning of further flooding and
landslides.

The local government's have also evacuated residents from high-risk areas..

The heavy rain has already caused widespread flooding and other damage across
the region.

In Kaohsiung, a vehicle was nearly submerged in floodwater in Niaosong
District, with all three people inside rescued safely. A fallen tree also
struck a Kaohsiung Light Rail train, temporarily disrupting service.

Floodwaters reached waist high around the Heart of Love River park in Sanmin
District, while several other Kaohsiung districts reported flooded roads and
traffic restrictions.

The weather administration says the heavy rain is due to a low-pressure
system and strong southwesterly winds and the heavy rain is likely to
continue until Wednesday.

However, the weather conditions will depend the path of Typhoon Saudel later
in this week.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:14

President Lai Ching-te says he believes that successful defense of Kinmen in
1958 is a prime example of "peace through strength.

Lai made the comments as he took part in the annual memorial of the
anniversary of a Chinese artillery bombardment of Kinmen which marked the
beginning of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis.

Lai said the heroes in Kinmen - regardless of the their backgrounds - united
as one to repel the aggression of communist totalitarianism and urged
cross-party unity to supporting his 2027 defense budget.

The president said victory in the 1958 battle stands as the ultimate proof
that "peace is secured through strength" and the only guarantee of peace lies
in safeguarding every single inch of the nation's territory while
continuously strengthening and investing in national defense.

Kinmen was peppered with 475,000 artillery shells over a 44 day period.

During the ceremony, Lai burned incense, laid a wreath, and bowed his head to
pay his respects amid pouring rain to the soldiers who successfully repelled
the attempted Chinese invasion of Kinmen.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:14

Meanwhile,

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun used her speech marking the anniversary of the
Chinese artillery bombardment of Kinmen in August of 1958 by calling in the
government to recognize the 1992 consensus in order to ease cross-strait
tensions.

Cheng paid a visit to the 823 Artillery Bombardment Museum, where she said
the soldiers killed during the battle defended the Republic of China, its
Constitution, democracy and freedom.

Cheng claims the K-M-T is seeking to transform Kinmen from a military
stronghold into a hub for peace - and believes if the government recognize
the 1992 consensus, then cross-strait dialogue and exchanges could resume.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:19

Indonesian migrant fishers have launched the Freedom for Fishers Campaign.

The Freedom for Fishers Campaign was initiated by the Pingtung County Migrant
Fishers Union.

The campaign was announced at the Donggang Fishing Harbor in Pingtung County
and demands that Indonesian migrant fishers recieve fair wages and employment
contracts and have guaranteed access to Wi-Fi on all vessels.

The union is also calling for the right to organize and join a union free
from intimidation and retaliation, a transparent and fair grievance
mechanism, and healthy and safe working conditions.

The group says although the government has repeatedly insisted that many of
the issues have been addressed and improved, abuses continue and it still get
reports of incidents on Taiwan's distant-water fishing vessels.

The union says it hopes the campaign will help it to reach a binding and
implementable agreement with companies in the international seafood supply
chain to better protect the rights of migrant fishers.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:19

Government data shows that smaller households are becoming the norm thanks to
changing marriage and childbearing patterns and as the population ages.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, households of
two people or fewer accounting for more than half of all households for the
first time in 2025.

The government agency's latest household income and expenditure survey shows
that one- and two-person households accounted for 51.6-per cent of all
households last year.

Two-person households were the most common type, accounting for 34.27-per
cent, while one-person households made up 17.33-per cent.
Both figures were record highs.

The share of one-person households surpassed that of four-person households
for the first time and data shows that four-person households accounted for
16.63-per cent of all households, compared with 23.21-per cent for
three-person households.

Four-person households were the dominant household type in the 1990s,
accounting for between 25 and 27-per cent of all households.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:19

And,

Taiwan-born NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren is set to throw out the ceremonial
first pitch at the Washington Nationals second Taiwan Heritage Day at
Nationals Park on August 29.

The Nationals will be playing the Miami Marlins.

The Millennial Global Youth Foundation, which organizes of the annual Taiwan
Heritage Day says Lindgren was chosen for the honor because of his status as
an accomplished astronaut who connects Taiwan and the U-S through his
multicultural heritage.

Lindgren, whose Chinese name is Lin Chi-erh, was born in Taipei in 1973 while
his father was serving in the U-S Air Force in Taiwan and lived in Taichung
for more than two years.

His mother is Taiwanese.

It will be the third time this year that Lindgren will have thrown out the
first pitch for a Taiwan-related professional baseball event.

He threw the the first pitch before a game here in Taiwan between the Rakuten
Monkeys and the Wei Chuan Dragons in April.

He then joined Chinese Professional Baseball League commissioner Tsai
Chi-chang to throw out the first pitch for the New York Mets' annual Taiwan
Heritage Day in July.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:19

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held an urgent meeting with
security officials after coordinated violence erupted in three southern
provinces.

The meeting took place before Anutin traveled to inspect flood-hit areas in
the north.

The violence, which occurred at the weekend... involved small bombs, arson,
and property damage at Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala, where a Muslim
insurgency is active.

No group has claimed responsibility, but the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu
Patani is suspected.

The group seeks self-rule for these provinces.

Posted on 2026-08-22 15:07:13

Canadian and American officials are blaming each other for leaving the
negotiating table just ahead of a deadline for resolving a tariff dispute.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said "last-minute changes in the US
proposed terms were unfair," while US trade representative Garrison Greer
said Canada passed up an offer that would have given it the best deal on
tariffs among all of the US's trading partners.

As of midnight, the US started imposing 50% tariffs on $20 billion of
Canadian products that account for about 5% of what Canada ships to the
United States every year.

Carney said, "Canada will match those tariffs dollar for dollar to protect
our workers and businesses."

He added that his government would announce additional support for Canadian
workers and businesses in the coming days.

According to AP, a senior Trump administration official told reporters that
Canada sought concessions on Trump tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars and
lumber that the United States was unwilling to provide.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 14:07:13

Authorities in Africa say the Ebola outbreak in Congo hasn't peaked yet and
could be three times the current known size.

According to Prof. Yap Boum, head of emergency preparedness and response at
the Africa CDC, less than 10% of cases are currently coming from known
contacts.

This is far below the 90-95% rate when the outbreak can be said to be under
control.

At this stage, the outbreak has recorded 10 times more cases than history's
largest, which was the 2014-2016 outbreak across West Africa.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 13:08:13

The Central Weather Administration says a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck off
the coast of northeastern Taiwan at 11:40am today.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The epicenter was located about 42 kilometers southeast of Yilan County Hall,
at a depth of 28km.

The quake's intensity was felt as a 3 on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale in
Yilan County and Hualien County.

It was felt as a 2 in places ranging from Taipei to Nantou.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 13:08:13

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has signed a temporary order to
allow work on the White House ballroom to continue as the court considers an
emergency appeal from the administration.

The temporary order came hours before lower-court rulings would have forced a
halt to aboveground construction of the project because Trump didn't obtain
congressional approval.

The Trump administration says 65% of the work on the ballroom has already
been completed ... and the work is on course to come in ahead of schedule and
under budget.

Roberts' order will remain in place until the Supreme Court issues a more
durable decision. The one-page document doesn't detail Roberts' reasoning or
indicate when another ruling will be handed down.

Trump thanked the court and Roberts and called the court's action a "good
thing."

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 13:08:13

Tesla and other carmakers in China are recalling more than 4 million vehicles
over safety concerns.

Tesla's recall is the biggest of all carmakers involved.

It is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles, including Models 3, Y, X and S,
over door handle safety risks.

This follows China's announcement in February that it will ban hidden door
handles seen commonly on Tesla and other Chinese electric vehicles.

The ban starts next year.

China has stepped up scrutiny on door handles of EVs following accidents in
which hidden electronic door handles failed to open and trapped passengers.

Other Chinese carmakers involved in the recall include Xiaomi, Geely,
Leapmotor and XPENG.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 13:08:13

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said a breakdown in negotiations between
the US and Canada was due to the American side introducing last-minute terms
that were "unfair, uneconomic, and called into question the reliability of
any deal."

Carney said Canada was ready to match US tariffs "dollar for dollar" after an
extended deadline for the two sides to avert an impasse over Trump's
threatened 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods elapsed at noon Taiwan time.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canada walked away "despite the
US offer to Canada to receive the best treatment of any major exporter to our
market."

I'll have more on this developing story later this afternoon.

Posted on 2026-08-22 12:09:13

The United States is ready to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of
Canadian products after last-ditch negotiations failed to resolve the latest
strain in already tense relations between the North American neighbors.

President Trump's import taxes will hit about 5% of what Canada ships to the
United States every year, including products ranging from hockey sticks to
tongue depressors.

Canada has threatened to retaliate against any new tariffs with levies of its
own, aggravating a trade fight between countries that sold each other $880
billion worth of goods and services last year.

The tariffs were initially supposed to kick in at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. But
Trump extended the deadline for three days to allow talks to continue.

The two countries couldn't reach an agreement in time, despite Trump having
hailed a deal that was all-but-finalized.

AP_JvW

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