MAC Press Release No. 020
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued the following statement to address the 6.8-magnitute earthquake that hit Luding County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province of mainland China yesterday (September 5, 2022). The incident caused heavy casualties, with several aftershocks being recorded. The Office of the President today (September 6, 2022) conveyed condolences on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen. The president expressed sorrow to the victims and their families and wished for a smooth progress of the search, rescue, and post-disaster recovery so that residents in the area can return to their normal lives as soon as possible.
The MAC stated that, according to the information gathered so far, no Taiwanese citizens have been stranded, injured, or confirmed dead in the area. Meanwhile, our government has offered our condolences to the mainland Chinese authorities through the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). It is our sincerest wish that damage can be limited and that residents in the affected areas could return to their normal lives soon. The National Fire Agency under the Ministry of the Interior is currently getting ready for a humanitarian rescue mission; Taiwan is willing to provide necessary assistance in case of need.
The disaster area is still experiencing tremors in the aftermath of the earthquake. Our government will continue to closely monitor the latest news in relation to the earthquake and to the local circumstances; we will also provide related information for the reference of the Taiwanese public in a timely manner. Taiwanese citizens in affected areas are advised to remain alert and stay safe. Those in need of assistance may contact the SEF through its Emergency Service Hotline at: 02-2533-9995.