Taiwan’s powerful earthquake in Hualien has captured the attention of the world. The Relief Foundation announced that as of 4 p.m. on the 16th, they had raised NT$980 million, with a total of 159,000 donations. Japan leads in donations, while the small European country of Lithuania also contributed €50,000 (approximately $53,000 USD) to assist in the rebuilding efforts in Hualien.
The Relief Foundation released a press statement stating that by 4 p.m. on the 16th, they had received a total of NT$984,469,459 in donations (approximately $31.77 million USD), with a total of 159,812 donations.
According to the foundation, foreign donations currently total nearly NT$35 million (approximately $1.129 million USD), accounting for about 3.52% of the total contributions. Among these, donations from Japan are the highest, at around NT$20.93 million (approximately $675,000 USD), followed by donations from Hong Kong at NT$5.74 million (approximately $185,000 USD), and donations from the United States at NT$5.48 million (approximately $177,000 USD). These international aids provide warm support to the earthquake victims.
Donations continue to pour in. The Relief Foundation mentioned that they are still receiving calls from companies and organizations intending to donate in the coming days, and once internal administrative procedures are completed, the funds can be transferred. The fundraising will continue until the scheduled date of May 3rd, uniting people across Taiwan to stand by the victims of the disaster.
Since launching the 0403 Hualien earthquake relief fundraising project on April 4th, donations have reached nearly NT$1 billion in just over two weeks. All funds raised will be fully utilized for disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas, including disaster assistance, emergency medical care, shelter and relocation, and reconstruction.
In a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the evening of the 12th local time that they would donate €50,000 to assist in the reconstruction work after the Hualien earthquake in Taiwan. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed that Lithuania’s donation for Taiwan’s post-earthquake reconstruction demonstrates the spirit of solidarity between the two nations. The Ministry expressed sincere gratitude for Lithuania’s care for Taiwan and its generous contribution to the rebuilding efforts in Hualien.
Following the Hualien earthquake, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis and Parliament Speaker Viktorija Čymilitė-Nielsen immediately expressed their concern for Taiwan through social media posts or text messages, offering assistance. Landsbergis mentioned that Taiwan-Lithuania cooperation has been strong in various areas, including international development cooperation. For instance, Taiwan has participated in Lithuania’s efforts for the reconstruction work in Ukraine, making significant contributions.
In addition to expressing gratitude to Lithuania, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China emphasized that Taiwan and Lithuania are not only close allies with similar values but also partners who cooperate and assist each other, contributing to the international community. The collaboration between Taiwan and Lithuania in assisting the reconstruction of schools damaged by war in Ukraine, including the completion and opening of the Rūta Kindergarten in Irpin and the high school in Borodianka, Kyiv Oblast, will continue. Together, they will strive to defend democratic values and remain a positive force in the international community.