Tragedy in Taiwan: 7.2 earthquake leaves thousands of victims

President-elect of Taiwan visits ‘ground zero’ of the earthquake

The president-elect and current vice president of Taiwan, William Lai (Lai Ching-te), visited Hualien county (southeast) this Wednesday, the area most affected by the strong earthquake that shook Taiwan, and promised a complete package of aid to the victims.

In a speech in front of one of the collapsed buildings in Hualien, Lai noted that The most important task now is to rescue the trapped people or missing – 127, according to the latest official figures – and guarantee that the injured receive adequate medical care, according to a statement released by the Presidential Office of the island.

The elected president stressed that the central Executive will “fully assist” local governments in reconstruction and relief efforts, while providing subsidies and “complete support measures” to victims.

“Earthquakes have occurred in Tainan, Hualien and central (Taiwan) in the past. The central government has a complete set of measures to cooperate with local governments and help them get out of the difficulties of the earthquakes as soon as possible,” said Lai, adding that the Executive has already transferred 300 million Taiwan dollars (9.36 million dollars, 8.69 million euros) to Hualien County.