HUALIEN (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief announced on Wednesday (April 17) that the "0403 Hualien Earthquake Fundraising Program" has raised about NT$963 million as of April 16, with the Hualien County Government's project accumulating NT$299.12 million. Since April 3, nearly 160,000 donations have been received, initiating a one-month campaign after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to several countries for their generous donations towards the Hualien earthquake. Lithuania announced a donation of about US$53,205, Thailand contributed about US$31,018, and South Korea pledged US$500,000. These international donations, along with Japan's earlier pledge of US$1 million, signify a strong show of solidarity and support for Taiwan during this challenging period of recovery and reconstruction.
Local and private sectors have also extended their support. Taiwan convenience stores raised NT$21.47 million with 13,000 donations. Japanese restaurant chain Gyutan Tsukasa donated around NT$3.23 million to the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation's United States headquarters for Taiwan's earthquake relief efforts. This donation reflects gratitude for Taiwan's assistance during Japan's 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, highlighting the importance of mutual aid and solidarity in times of adversity.
Despite nearing the NT$1 billion target, fundraising continues until May 3. The Ministry of Health and Welfare identified 1,247 dangerous structures and stated that humanitarian aid will be used for disaster relief, emergency medical services, sheltering and resettlement, and recovery and reconstruction.
