Taiwanese Calgarians are expressing concern for their loved ones after Taiwan was struck by its strongest earthquake in 25 years. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2 or 7.4 (according to different sources), hit off the shore of Hualien County at 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday. The Central Weather Administration in Taiwan has reported more than 180 aftershocks since the quake, causing buildings to lean dangerously and triggering deadly landslides in Hualien County. As of the most recent report, at least nine people have been killed, with many others missing or injured, including 900 across Taiwan.
This earthquake is the largest since the 7.6-magnitude 921 Jiji earthquake in 1999, which resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 individuals and injuries to more than 11,000. Samson Cho, a Taiwanese pastor who immigrated to Canada in the 1970s, recalls experiencing earthquakes himself as a teenager in Taiwan. He expressed his fear and concern for his family back in Taiwan, emphasizing the resilience of the Taiwanese people in the face of natural disasters like this. Cho believes that with their training in enduring difficult times, Taiwanese communities will be able to rebuild and recover from the earthquake, and he hopes to contribute to relief efforts.
Li-hsin Liu, director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, expects fundraising events to be organized to support the victims of the earthquake in Taiwan. Currently, efforts are underway to provide assistance to those trapped in their homes and to the hundreds who have been displaced due to the disaster. Liu is exploring the possibility of foreign rescue teams visiting Taiwan to collaborate with local teams in aiding the victims. The focus is on mobilizing support for those affected and ensuring that they receive the help they need during this difficult time.
There are expectations for the Taiwanese association in Calgary to initiate concrete plans for assisting with relief efforts following the earthquake in Taiwan. Cho emphasizes the importance of the community coming together to support those affected by the disaster, drawing inspiration from Taiwan’s history of stepping up to help others in need. As efforts continue to assist victims and rebuild affected areas, the Taiwanese community in Calgary and beyond is being called upon to unite and provide assistance in any way possible, reflecting the resilience and compassion of the Taiwanese people in times of crisis.
Overall, the earthquake in Taiwan has deeply impacted the Taiwanese community in Calgary, sparking fears and concerns for the safety and well-being of their loved ones back in Taiwan. The devastation caused by the earthquake, with casualties, injuries, and displacements, has prompted calls for support and fundraising initiatives to aid the victims. Through the resilience and solidarity of the Taiwanese people, efforts to rebuild and recover from this natural disaster are underway, with hopes for collaboration between local and international rescue teams to provide relief to those in need. The Taiwanese community globally is urged to come together and offer assistance, showcasing the strength and compassion that define their response to adversity.
