Forensic Investigation experts of Disasters from 9 nations, including the United States, were invited by Academia Sinica’s Integrated Research on Disaster Risk, International Centre of Excellence, for a visit to Taiwan. On February 16th, the experts visited the largest post-Morakot reconstruction permanent housing community within Pingtung County – the Rinari Community - in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of Taiwan’s experience in disaster relief and reconstruction. The director of the Executive Yuan’s Reconstruction Council General Planning Department, Chang Henrg-Yuh, was present at the event. Participants expressed their deep respect for the efficacy and speed at which Taiwan was able to settle disaster victims, stimulate industry, and reconstruct culture.

On this occasion, participants from various nations were visiting Taiwan to take part in the Advanced Institute on Forensic Investigation of Disasters–Southeast Asia conference hosted by Taiwan’s Academia Sinica’s Integrated Research on Disaster Risk, International Centre of Excellence. There was a site visit to the Rinari permanent housing community, which the Taiwanese government and World Vision Taiwan Foundation jointly constructed (to settle the Dashe, Haucha, and Majia Villages). In a forum with village residents, Torbors Chyuan, the CEO of World Vision Taiwan's Typhoon Morakot Reconstruction Program, gave a briefing on the Rinari Community’s reconstruction history and current plans. He shared experience where government and residents communicated, negotiated, and cooperated to reach consensus on reconstruction blueprints and ideals. He also introduced how the program was able to support the construction of different cultural characteristics between villages.

On behalf of the Reconstruction Council, Director Chang, greeted all the domestic and foreign experts and scholars present during their visit to the community. He also stated in detail how the Taiwanese government efficiently resolved various problems and overcame many challenges with regard to laws, budgeting, establishing designated units, comprehensive reconstruction, and more after the Typhoon Morakot disaster. He explained the process of permanent housing construction and the innovative thoughts which went into resources such as industry, culture, education and organizational training. Assertive guidance was provided for each base in order to speed up the restoration of daily life while aiming towards the development of sustainable communities. Exchanges were made with experts from all nations participating in the discussion to promote maximum learning.

During his dedication on behalf of the foreign delegation, Dr.Virji from the United States stated that since disasters will become commonplace due to the impact of climate change, humans must learn to rapidly respond after disasters take place. After examining the mode of post-disaster reconstruction shared between the government, private organizations, and local residents in Rinari today, he stated that here was a demonstration for two leadership capabilities: consensus building for village relocation and integration ability for a new community development, which could serve as examples for post-disaster reconstruction efforts.

The group of visiting experts consisted of more than 40 individuals from the United States, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, India, Vietnam, and also Taiwan. In addition to visiting the village and meeting with Chief Hsu Chun-Mei of Majia Village, they took the time to admire many artistic works within the village as well as the cultural decoration on the outer walls of each home. In particular, they expressed astonishment at how the Taiwanese government was able to cooperate so effectively with private organizations in such a short time to complete construction of safe and aesthetically functional permanent housing units. The individual spirit of ethnic groups was respected throughout the reconstruction processes, so as to console residents and encourage them to recreate indigenous culture within their new villages. This in turn would enhance the value of the reconstruction efforts, thereby leaving a lasting impression on all.
 

Chief Hsu Chun-Mei of Majia Village greeted honored guests from all nations with a welcome speech

Dr. Virji from the United States expressed his respect for Taiwan’s reconstruction efforts

Honored guests from 9 nations visited Rinari Community’s coffee industry

Honored guests from 9 nations visited Rinari Community’s architectural nexus