February 12, 2018
On the afternoon of February 12, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that the strong earthquake in Hualien on February 6 has claimed 17 lives, injured more than 280 people, and collapsed houses. The MAC deeply grieves the grave loss of life and property caused by the earthquake.
The Hualien earthquake claimed the lives of nine Mainland visitors and a couple from Hong Kong. The bodies of two of the victims were found trapped under a beam. Rescue units jointly decided after consultation with relevant authorities and experts and discussions with family members to excavate the bodies intact with heavy machinery. Of the six Mainland visitors hospitalized with injuries, one remains hospitalized and the others have successively left Taiwan and returned to the Mainland fully assisted and accompanied by the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). The MAC stated that excavation of the remains of some of the victims is ongoing. The MAC, the SEF, and relevant authorities will continue to fully provide all necessary assistance to the affected visitors and their relatives with related follow-up affairs.
The MAC emphasized that it has been concerned about the safety of visitors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao since the Hualien earthquake occurred. It has closely followed the status of affected Mainland visitors in Taiwan and promptly notified the Mainland through official communication channels between the cross-Strait authorities over the past few days. The MAC stated that various parties in mainland China have expressed concern over the earthquake, sent donations, and dispatched officials to accompany family members to Taiwan and assist with follow-up affairs. Moreover, on February 12, the Taiwan Affairs Office sent another message expressing sympathy and condolences. The MAC expresses its sincere gratitude accordingly.
The government and private sectors have fully committed their efforts to the rescue and relief work in the wake of the earthquake. The constant in-pouring of care and support from all sectors has enabled the relief work to proceed smoothly. The MAC called on the public to give the victims and their families the greatest warmth and love to help them heal from the pain and return to normal life as soon as possible.