In view of the devastating impact of the numerous typhoons that hit hard many parts of Taiwan, Center for Water Resources Management & Policy Research, TKU, has conducted a survey, polling many residents who have gone through the cataclysm. It is called “A Nation-wide Survey on the Major Events Relating to Water Resources in Taiwan.”

They have polled 13890 people either through the Internet or mail and grossed a total of 118592 ballots. When the final showdown came, we realized the pandemonium caused by both typhoons Toiaji and Nari was the most horrendous in people’s living memory.

Following are the ten “worst” news that had happened in the journal of Taiwan’s water resources this year (2001):

1) Typhoons Toiaji and Nari laid waste many places in Taiwan.

2) More than half of Taiwan’s water reservoirs are suffering from an over-exposure to oxygen.

3) After many a heart-rending experiences, residents of Hsi Chih learned to take precautionary measures against natural disasters. (God helps those who help themselves.)

4) Ta Hsing Village in Kwang Fu Hsiang of Hualian Hsien was completely gone under after a giant and fatal mud-rock-flow.

5) Hundreds of millions of NT dollars were spent on dredging the Keelung River, still to no avail. Why?

6) Pres. A-Bian declared, “You want Mei Nong Dam? My answer, ‘Over my dead body!’”

7) The Tamsui River is reported to have the highest toxic pollutant underneath the riverbed.

8) We can see no end of mud-rock-flow threats in 10 years

9) After the shutdown of RCA plant, nearly a thousand employees contracted cancerous diseases.

10) The number of natural disasters hit an all-time high this year in Taiwan.

However, as the saying goes, “In every dark cloud there is always a silver lining.” the same may be said of this gloomy news bulletin, because the Center has also announced 3 lucky people who have hit the jackpot and won some handsome prizes after a random drawing of raffles. Their names are: Huang Shu-wei, Chou Yuan-chun and Kao Li-shia. They are urged to come forward to pick up their free gifts: for Huang, a desk computer, for Chou, a laser printer and for Kao, a photo printer.

There are also 3 hundred participants who will receive some handsome gifts from the Center. Please logon www.water.tku.edu.tw for details.