Yu Dynasty Yingdala (4338-4636)

[Wu Han]

Typhoon Yutu Death Toll Rises to 32, Estimated $600M in Damages
Typhoon clear of Indralan shores, but has left a visible and lasting scar on the South
April 30 4289


Downtown Nandu flooded after Typhoon Yutu after nearly 1,182 mm of rainfall

Election Night

Typhoon Yutu has claimed 32 lives according to local authorities in Shu, and it is possible that this number may rise. While the typhoon was not nearly as severe as anticipated, infrastructure and property damage have been estimated at $1.2 billion. Total loss to the economy is estimated to be around $3.7B as Shu farmers struggle with crop loss and other economic sectors contract. The Republicans put forward a bill before the typhoon made landfall demanding $100 billion in a federal transfer to the province. Today the Chancellor spoke with the media to announce why the Lotus Party is voting against:

Huang Zitao, Chancellor: Thank you all for gathering here today. Three days ago the Republican Party introduced a bill to transfer $100 billion INS to Shu Province.
This would amount to 12.5% of all government spending, and an increase of nearly 15% to our government spending, in one simple transfer. This would be irresponsible. Further, in keeping with our tradition of evidence-based policy decisionmaking, we decided to listen to local authorities in Shu who have announced damages of around $600 million. Economists have put the figure at around $2 billion, or around 2% of the suggested transfer. Our government will be introducing a relief package of $6 billion to Shu and the surrounding areas to ensure that economic strains are mitigated and reconstruction efforts can get started as soon as possible.

Our thoughts today are also, of course, with the 12 who have perished in this awful storm, and all their families and friends.

Long Jingyi, Press Secretary to the Chancellor: We have time for four questions.

Dai Shun, Southern Voice: Thank you Chancellor. The Republican leader and caucus have been leading a ground effort to personally "evacuate and feed" those affected by the typhoon, any response?

Huang Zitao, Chancellor: Thank you for the question Reporter Dai. While we commend the Republican caucus on their attitude toward the tragedy, we hope that the Republicans won't be interfering with our brave first-responders who are there to do their jobs and not be interrupted by politicians. We are happy to see that Mr. Zhang has offered to support financial measures to support Shu.

Kong Hua, TNN: Zhang Zemin attacked your government's actions toward Dalibor, and personally attacked you, calling you "little man." What do you say to this? How is the government handling the crisis in Dalibor?

*chuckles from media and the Chancellor*
Huang Zitao, Chancellor: ... While the... passion... of Zhang Zemin is certainly something to behold, he has not been in contact with the government in any way on this file. Our government is monitoring the situation very closely, and we will be prepared to respond very shortly. The barbaric slaughter of innocent Indralans in Dalibor is truly reprehensible, and it will end.

Kong Hua, TNN: Are you planning a military strike against Dalibor?

Huang Zitao, Chancellor: I cannot give much information at this time. We are exploring military options but hope for a diplomatic solution, as always.

Long Jingyi, Press Secretary to the Chancellor: One more question.

Qiu Ruogang, Tian'an Times: Some have suggested that the opposition leader's actions in Shu are politically motivated, as the Republicans are plotting a return to their home province in the next election, do you share this belief?

Huang Zitao, Chancellor: I don't doubt Mr. Zhang's convictions in trying to save lives in Shu. Let's not make politics out of this tragedy.

Long Jingyi, Press Secretary to the Chancellor: Thank you everyone, thanks! The Minister of Environment will be able to respond to further questions regarding the typhoon. Thank you.

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 4 October 2017.