A political fight has broken out in Taiwan over who pays for flood relief in Kaohsiung, which is bad news for flood victims waiting on money and repairs.

• Premier Cho Jung-tai said budget cuts by the legislature left him unable to tour the flood damage.
• Kaohsiung has been hit hard, with homes flooded and farming and fishing losses.
• Kuomintang mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en said the premier does not need to come south, but the central government cannot be absent.
• She pointed to flood-control funds, disaster reserves and an earlier approved spending package as proof the money is already in the government's hands.
• Her message: stop crying poor, stop blaming the legislature, and release the funds now.

Outlook: Pressure on the central government to approve relief money will grow, especially with more rain expected and a Kaohsiung mayoral race ahead.