TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Interior Minister Lee Hong-yuan (李鴻源) on Tuesday reiterated his warning against allowing civilian volunteers to assist in recovery efforts in Hualien’s Guangfu Township, following the death of a volunteer excavator operator from sepsis.

On Sept. 23, a barrier lake on the Mataian River overflowed, triggering a mudslide that devastated Guangfu Township. Lin Hung-sen (林鴻森), an excavator company owner, joined the recovery effort using his own heavy machinery. He died Monday of sepsis caused by a wound infection.

Lee restated his caution, emphasizing the dangers and logistical challenges involved in disaster recovery, per NOWNews. He suggested that all affected residents should be evacuated, civilian access restricted, and the military’s engineering corps deployed to take over recovery operations.

While acknowledging the outpouring of volunteer support from across Taiwan, Lee said such efforts could place a burden on local resources and expose individuals to potential health risks due to the aftermath of the mudslide. He noted that military engineers are self-sufficient and equipped with field hospitals and proper gear.

Lee also called on politicians from both sides of the aisle to stop arguing over the relief effort.

Before the disaster, a National Taiwan University team assembled by Lee issued a report on Sept. 19 predicting the potential overflow of the barrier lake and the need to evacuate 8,000 residents, per The Reporter. The report proved accurate following the Sept. 23 mudslide.

Lee’s initial remarks last Thursday sparked responses from government agencies and health experts, per NEWtalk. NTU Professor Chen Hsiu-hsi (陳秀熙) said that while volunteers may face risks such as leptospirosis, there is no evidence that respiratory illnesses are more common in disaster zones like Guangfu, per NOWNews.

The Central Emergency Operation Center acknowledged the presence of non-contagious diseases like leptospirosis but stressed that proper protection is key, per UDN. CEOC Chief Coordinator Chi Lien-cheng (季連成) encouraged public participation, saying the government has assigned personnel to support both volunteers and soldiers.

Chi also announced that the government will offer bonuses to heavy equipment providers and encouraged them to remain involved in the recovery effort. He welcomed continued participation from the public, noting a shortage of personnel in the affected areas.

In response, Lee urged the government to manage volunteer deployment appropriately to ensure civilians are not exposed to situations unsuitable for laypersons, per ETtoday. He also expressed concern that affected residents, having lost almost everything, may begin to experience depression.

Lee called on the government to assist with financial recovery, such as helping residents manage loans. He referenced the 1998 Lincoln Mansion landslide, when the government negotiated with banks to support displaced residents.