TCC's Heping Plant to Resume Processing Hualien City Waste by End of Month. Aftermath Anxiety Persists, TCC Provides Shelter for Elders Afraid to Return Home

Affected by the strong earthquake in Hualien at the beginning of April, TCC's Heping Plant in Hualien suffered equipment damage and temporarily halted production. The No. 1 kiln resumed operation on April 25, and the No. 2 kiln, undergoing annual maintenance, is expected to return to operation on May 28. However, currently, only small vehicles can pass through the section of Provincial Highway 9 from Hualien to Heping, preventing garbage trucks from heading north. TCC stated that if the Qingshui Bridge section of the highway north of Hualien is reopened to heavy vehicles by the end of May as scheduled, TCC's DAKA Recycling Resource Utilization Center will be able to start assisting in the processing of waste from Hualien City.

On the other hand, although TCC has been busy with restoration work within the plant following the earthquake, it has not forgotten to continue caring for the community. TCC's Heping Plant initiated a temporary shelter for disaster victims on the 8th. The Heping Village and Ren Tribe, where the Heping Plant is located, suffered from landslides due to strong thunderstorms following the earthquake, leading to the emergency evacuation of residents to the Heping Village office. Two weeks after the disaster, many elders from the Ren Tribe, due to psychological fear, dare not return home. Upon receiving the message from the Xiulin Township Office, TCC urgently mobilized its staff to convert the old office into a temporary shelter, replacing lighting equipment, laying floor mats, and installing new water dispensers and water heaters, allowing the elders to take hot showers and even cook meals, getting closer to a normal life. The first group of 11 villagers from Ren has successfully moved in, with all personal belongings assisted by the TCC DAKA team. Mrs. Li, aged 71, said: "Although I really want to return to my own home, it's too dangerous. The sound of the landslides in the tribe is terrifying! Staying here at TCC at least keeps neighbors and good friends around, which is more reassuring!" The president of the Ren Tribe Disaster Relief Association, Ms. Song Juhua, said: "The TCC shelter is much more comfortable than the village office! It's spacious, clean, and bright, with hot showers and dining tables available, and we can also move outdoors. We are very grateful."