Tsai conveys concerns over earthquake in northeastern Japan

2021/02/18

President Tsai Ing-wen conveyed Feb. 14 her concerns to the people of Japan after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Tohoku region late the day before.
 
 In a Japanese language tweet, Tsai said the large tremblor hit mainly Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures. She added that it was her understanding everyone in Japan is safe.
 
 Tsai said she has consistently voiced support for Japan and this will never change. If the people of Japan need help, Taiwan will always be there, she added.
 
 In response, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association thanked the president for her concern via Facebook. Taiwan is always the first to offer support whenever Japan encounters difficulties, JTEA said, adding that even during the Lunar New Year holidays, the people of Taiwan take time to care about neighboring countries.
 
 The quake struck in the vicinity of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011. The event triggered a tsunami leading to the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant resulting in the deaths of more than 22,000 people.
 
 Taiwan’s response was decisive and swift in the face of the disaster. Two fully equipped emergency teams were dispatched from Taiwan within three days to carry search and rescue missions.
 
 According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan was the top contributor of foreign aid to Japan at the time. Post-disaster recovery and reconstruction donations from the public and private sectors totaled NT$6.85 billion (US$241.44 million).

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)