1.President Lai Attends Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan Irrigation Link Ceremony, Calls for Stronger Water Resilience

President Lai Ching-te attended the completion and water-release ceremony for the Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan Irrigation System Interconnection Project on the 13th. The project links Taiwan’s two largest irrigation systems, forming the island’s largest interconnected water network.At the core of the project is the Beigang River aqueduct, which spans a 465-meter-wide river channel. The project also included the renovation of aging irrigation canals and the addition of water storage facilities. Once completed, it is expected to provide an additional 70 million tons of flexible water allocation annually.　Lai noted that the project is one of the largest water infrastructure developments in nearly 50 years and posed significant engineering challenges. The cross-river aqueduct had to be constructed without affecting flood discharge, and the project—originally scheduled to take five years—was completed in just two. In addition to the aqueduct, damaged canals built decades ago were repaired and 12 linear storage ponds were installed to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of water management.

2. MOA Launches Special Quarantine Program for Pets Returning with Taiwanese Evacuees from the Middle East

In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, some Taiwanese nationals are urgently evacuating and hope to bring their pet dogs and cats back to Taiwan. The Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) under the Ministry of Agriculture has therefore launched a “Middle East Pet Return Quarantine Program,” effective immediately. Pet owners are required to submit an application through the Pet Import Quarantine Information System, but the usual requirement to apply 20 days prior to arrival will be waived under this program. However, pets must still meet rabies vaccination and rabies antibody titer testing requirements. If the validity period does not meet the regulations, owners must submit supplementary documents after arrival, and the pets will be placed in quarantine until the required period is fulfilled. BAPHIQ stated that the program will accept applications from now until June 15. The applicable regions include Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, and Iraq. The agency added that the scope of the program may be adjusted in response to evacuation advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding developments in the Middle East.