Concerned About Kumamoto Earthquake, Taichung Mayor Lu Instructs Rescue Team to Stand By and Donates $100,000

Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiao-yen announced during a council Q&A session that the city's fire department rescue team is fully prepared to assist in the aftermath of the Kumamoto earthquake and that Taichung will donate $100,000 to Kumamoto Prefecture. She also instructed the Department of Economic Development to assess the situation of local businesses with operations in Kumamoto.

On the 29th, the Taichung City Council held its third meeting of the 4th session, 8th regular session. Councilor Huang Chia-tien raised concerns about the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto the previous day and inquired about the city government's expressions of concern and condolences. Mayor Lu stated that the city government immediately conveyed deep concern to Kumamoto Prefecture and instructed the fire department's special rescue team to stand by. Given that direct flights between Taichung and Kumamoto are operating normally, the rescue team can be deployed immediately if Japan requests assistance.

Mayor Lu emphasized the close relationship between Taichung and Kumamoto, noting that TSMC's Kumamoto plant (JASM), numerous supply chain companies, and Taichung-based engineers have established a strong presence in the region. On the 28th, Kumamoto Governor Kimura Kei led a delegation to visit the Taichung city government and tour local tech firms, but encountered the earthquake while returning. Governor Kimura promptly returned to lead emergency response efforts. In response, Mayor Lu immediately expressed condolences and instructed both sides' staff to maintain close communication. She also directed the Department of Economic Development to initiate an industrial assessment to monitor the impact on Taiwanese businesses, engineers, and supply chains in Kumamoto, ensuring smooth operations and personnel safety.

Mayor Lu further announced that three towns in Kumamoto Prefecture have formed sister-city partnerships with three administrative districts in Taichung, reflecting deep mutual ties. The city will donate $100,000 (approximately NT$3 million) to Kumamoto Prefecture, matching the level of aid provided earlier this year to Guajalim City, Ebeye Island in the Marshall Islands, a sister city. The support aims to assist post-disaster reconstruction, and Taichung will maintain close contact with Kumamoto, offering all necessary assistance to overcome this crisis together.