Taiwanese Calgarians are concerned about their loved ones in Taiwan after the island was struck by the strongest earthquake in 25 years. The earthquake, with a registered magnitude of 7.2 according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration and 7.4 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, hit near Hualien County at 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday. The aftermath of the earthquake includes over 180 aftershocks, buildings leaning precariously, deadly landslides, and emergency crews rescuing individuals from collapsing buildings. As of Wednesday afternoon, at least nine people have been reported dead, with many more injured and missing, including 50 workers and hundreds of trapped tourists in Taoroko National Park.
This earthquake is the most severe since the 7.6-magnitude 921 Jiji earthquake in 1999, which resulted in over 2,000 fatalities and more than 11,000 injuries. Samson Cho, a Taiwanese pastor who immigrated to Canada in the 1970s, recalls his own experiences with earthquakes on the east coast of Taiwan as a teenager. Cho mentioned how he was on the phone with his family in Taiwan during the recent earthquake, which brought back memories of his childhood experiences. Despite the challenges, Cho believes that Taiwanese people are resilient and have the ability to rebuild. He emphasizes the importance of support and solidarity within the community, suggesting that the Taiwanese association in Calgary should consider concrete plans to assist those affected by the earthquake.
Li-hsin Liu, the director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, anticipates fundraising events to support the earthquake victims in the upcoming days and months. Current efforts are focused on providing assistance to those trapped or displaced due to the earthquake in Hualien County. Plans are being made to coordinate with foreign rescue teams to support the ongoing rescue and relief operations in Taiwan. Liu highlights the importance of mobilizing resources to aid the affected individuals and communities in the aftermath of the earthquake, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support for Taiwan.
In response to the earthquake in Taiwan, Taiwanese expatriates in Calgary are expressing their concerns and solidarity with their loved ones back home. As news of the earthquake spread, many individuals like Samson Cho felt a sense of urgency to offer assistance and support to those affected by the disaster. Cho’s personal experiences with earthquakes in Taiwan have motivated him to get involved in relief efforts and encourage others in the community to come together for a common cause. The resilience and unity of the Taiwanese people are evident as they work to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by the earthquake.
The earthquake in Taiwan has prompted a wave of fundraising and support initiatives from Taiwanese communities around the world, including Taiwanese Calgarians. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver is actively coordinating relief efforts and fundraising events to provide assistance to the earthquake victims in Taiwan. The solidarity and compassion shown by Taiwanese expatriates like Samson Cho reflect the strong sense of community and shared identity among Taiwanese people, both locally and globally. As efforts continue to support the recovery and rebuilding process in Taiwan, the international community is urged to lend a helping hand and show solidarity with those affected by the earthquake. The coming together of individuals and organizations to provide aid and support exemplifies the resilience and spirit of generosity that define the Taiwanese community in times of crisis.
