Global community thanked by Taiwan for Hualien quake support

2018-02-09

President Tsai Ing-wen (right) consoles a senior citizen while visiting a shelter for earthquake victims Feb. 8 in Hualien County, eastern Taiwan. (Courtesy of Office of the President)

Care and concern shown by the nation’s diplomatic allies, like-minded countries and supporters in the wake of the magnitude 6 temblor centered on Hualien County in eastern Taiwan is deeply appreciated by the Republic of China (Taiwan) government, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Feb. 8.

The latest messages of condolences and offers of emergency supplies and search and rescue personnel come from governments, politicians and organizations in Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Slovakia, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Venezuela, Vietnam and mainland China, as well as the Central American Integration System and Central American Parliament.

According to the Central Emergency Operation Center, the earthquake caused severe damage after it struck at 11:50 p.m., Feb. 6, off the coast of Hualien. The latest CEOC statistics confirm 12 dead, five missing and 278 injured.

President Tsai Ing-wen received Feb. 8 a letter of sympathy and support from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This gesture was followed by the arrival the same day in Hualien of a seven-member Japanese team equipped with advanced equipment for detecting victims trapped in rubble.

At such a difficult time, this act of kindness reflects the genuine concern for the people of Taiwan and underscores the robust friendship and values treasured by the two sides, the MOFA said.

According to the Office of the President, Tsai visited Hualien again in the afternoon of Feb. 8 for briefings on rescue and recovery operations. While touring two local shelters, she said the top priority is to ensure those affected by the quake can return to their homes or settle in a safe location as soon as possible.

Thorough inspections of buildings in damaged areas will be carried out and for those who lost their homes, the central and local government will work together to construct public or social housing units, Tsai added. (SFC-E)