Kumamoto Earthquake: Taiwan Government Donates NT$5 Million for Reconstruction; Cheng Li-chun Donates NT$1 Million Personally

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake recently struck the Kumamoto region in Kyushu, Japan, resulting in 35 confirmed deaths and over 1,000 households still experiencing power outages and water disruptions. On the 31st, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that, based on the deep friendship between Taiwan and Japan, the government will donate NT$5 million to support Japan's post-disaster reconstruction and assist affected residents in restoring their lives as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-chun visited the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association on the morning of the 31st, announcing a personal donation of NT$1 million to Kumamoto Prefecture. She expressed her hope to contribute modestly to relief and recovery efforts, helping victims overcome trauma and rebuild their homes.

According to Japan's Kyodo News, the 'Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake' caused water and power outages in 64 medical facilities across the prefecture, with 312 long-term care facilities and 243 disability support facilities sustaining structural damage. As the critical 72-hour rescue window passes, authorities are intensifying efforts to assess the full extent of the disaster. As of July 31, the death toll has risen to 35, with over 9,000 people accommodated in temporary shelters. The number of damaged homes is still being tallied, and approximately 79,000 households remain without water, while thousands are still without electricity—making conditions especially difficult in disaster zones where temperatures exceed 35°C.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the evening of the 30th that to assist Japan's disaster relief, it has launched a fundraising campaign. The International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) has opened a dedicated public donation account, accepting contributions from August 1 to 31. On the 31st, the Ministry further stated that Taiwan and Japan share close bilateral relations and deep emotional bonds, with both governments and peoples consistently supporting each other during emergencies, building enduring friendship over the years. The government will donate NT$5 million to support Japan's post-disaster recovery and help affected residents resume their lives swiftly.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu emphasized via social media that Taiwan stands with Japan in solidarity. He noted that Taiwan and Japan have never been absent when each other needed support the most, and this time is no different. Taiwan is ready to help whenever needed, sharing the burden of disaster relief and reconstruction. The Kumamoto earthquake has caused numerous casualties and damaged homes, roads, and public infrastructure. Aftershocks continue to threaten the region. Wu sincerely invited all sectors of society to respond, conveying Taiwan's warmth through concrete actions and standing with Kumamoto through this difficult time.

Following President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Premier Cho Jung-tai, who each announced personal donations of NT$200,000, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai and several legislative representatives who also pledged donations, Cheng Li-chun visited the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association on the morning of the 31st to express condolences and announced her personal donation of NT$1 million to Kumamoto Prefecture. She expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan can continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation in disaster prevention and relief, jointly enhancing resilience against natural disasters.

Kazuyuki Katayama, Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Taipei, accepted a letter of condolence and support from Cheng Li-chun on the 31st, witnessed by the president of the Taiwan Kumamoto Association, Honshima. Katayama responded with a letter of gratitude, expressing sincere appreciation for Cheng's message of solidarity. He also extended heartfelt condolences to all affected by the earthquake and expressed profound gratitude to Cheng and all sectors of Taiwanese society for their warm care and support.

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