TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The "0403 Hualien Earthquake Fundraising Program" has raised approximately NT$720 million as of 4 p.m. Thursday (April 11), according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). MOHW stated that the funds will be used for disaster relief, emergency medical services, sheltering and resettlement, and recovery and reconstruction.
The Hualien County Government's fundraising project has accumulated NT$230 million as of 9 a.m. on Thursday (April 11).
Yang Yu-ju, the head of the Hualien Social Affairs Department, said that depending on the amount of donations, each department will propose related plans for the disaster victims, which will then be submitted to the charity committee for review of their appropriateness.
In addition to government efforts, major corporations, and the public are also contributing. TVBS's "Infinite Love" program will allocate funds specifically for Hualien disaster victims, working with civil welfare groups to use the funds for resettlement and housing repairs.
World Vision has also set up a special fundraising account, which has raised NT$30 million as of Thursday (April 11) afternoon. However, the organization has been targeted by scam groups, with a fake website listing a Hua Nan Bank account. World Vision has reported the case.
International aid is also being provided. The South Korean government has decided to donate US$500,000, or 680 million Korean won, to help Taiwan cope with the losses from the earthquake in the eastern part of the country.
