February 8, 2016
No. 14
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated today (February 8, 2016) that, as of 4:00 this afternoon, 38 people have been reported killed and 531 people reported injured due to the earthquake-collapsed building in Tainan City. The MAC immediately instructed colleagues to closely follow the relief progress, maintain contact with the Central Emergency Operation Center, and provide all necessary assistance. MAC Minister Andrew Hsia called on the people of Taiwan to bravely face this challenge together and to join in prayer for the families affected by the disaster and also for victims still trapped in the rubble.
The MAC stated that Minister Hsia today assigned Director Tsai Chih-ju of the MAC’s Legal Department to visit Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Tainan Branch this afternoon with representatives from the National Immigration Agency (NIA) and SEF. Director Tsai visited the family of a Mainland spouse surnamed Chen, who has currently obtained long-term residential status and whose family suffered injuries of varying severity in the earthquake. He conveyed Minister Hsia's blessings and hopes for the family's speedy recovery and return to normal life. Director Tsai and others also went to Chi Mei Medical Center to visit a Mainland girl surnamed Chou who has obtained Taiwan residency and identity card (her mother is still unreachable and rescue status still unconfirmed), to express the government's concern and to assist in arrangements for her Mainland relatives to visit Taiwan.
The MAC has requested the SEF to inform the ARATS on the latest information and to maintain in close contact. It also requested that the Mainland side assist with entry application arrangements for disaster victims’ Mainland relatives to Taiwan to visit family members. The MAC and SEF will, in conjunction with relevant agencies, continue to provide all assistance necessary for following relief work.