Taiwan expresses condolences to Japan after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the 28th. President Tsai Ing-wen promptly offered her sympathies in Japanese through the social media platform X, with numerous Japanese netizens expressing gratitude towards Taiwan for its quick response during disasters in Japan.
On July 28, Kumamoto Prefecture was hit by a magnitude 7 earthquake, resulting in Prime Minister Sanae Takai confirming on the 29th that the death toll had risen to 13. Currently, there are 465 shelters set up in Kumamoto Prefecture with nearly 10,000 evacuees. Defense Minister Jiro Koizumi announced the deployment of around 1,000 Self-Defense Force members for disaster relief efforts.
President Tsai Ing-wen posted on social media platform X on the 28th, stating that Taiwan and Japan are true friends who share both good and bad times. Taiwan is closely monitoring the situation in Japan, ready to provide necessary assistance at any time, and wishing for the safety of the people affected by the disaster.
According to reports by the Central News Agency, the Japanese media outlet 47NEWS published President Tsai Ing-wen’s message on the X platform, receiving over 15,000 shares and 110,000 likes. Many Japanese netizens also recalled the massive aid provided by Taiwan during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, expressing gratitude for Taiwan’s unwavering support and hoping for continued mutual assistance between the two countries.
As the earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, the Taiwan Fire Department issued a press release on the 28th mentioning that they promptly contacted the Japan Exchange Association and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Fire Department to express concern and completed the preparation work for special search and rescue teams and the rotation of international humanitarian assistance teams (Tainan City Fire Department, Chiayi County Fire Department, and Hsinchu City Fire Department).
Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu posted on Facebook, stating that a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit the Kumamoto region of Japan, along with a tsunami warning. Following the earthquake, he immediately inquired about the safety of colleagues at the Foreign Ministry’s Fukuoka office and requested updates on the disaster situation and the status of Taiwanese affected by it. The Foreign Ministry also made phone calls to the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, offering sincere sympathies to the Japanese government and people and expressing Taiwan’s readiness to provide necessary assistance.
Joseph Wu emphasized the long-standing mutual support and solidarity between Taiwan and Japan, highlighting that in times of natural disasters, the genuine care and support from each other across borders represent the most sincere power. The Japanese government continues to assess the extent of human and material damage, while Taiwan will maintain close communication with Japan, staying informed of the latest developments, and praying for the safety of friends in Kumamoto and all affected areas.
Currently amidst the summer travel season, Joseph Wu also reminded Taiwanese citizens in Japan to pay attention to evacuation information released by the Japanese government, stay away from coastal and low-lying areas, and in case of emergencies, immediately dial the emergency assistance mobile number of the Fukuoka office (+81-90-1922-9740). Let’s cheer for Japan, wishing everyone safety and well-being.