The government of the Republic of China announced April 25 that it would immediately donate US$300,000 for disaster relief in Nepal in the wake of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that devastated the Himalayan country the same day, to be followed by emergency medical aid and relief supplies.
The ROC government sent condolences to the government of Nepal and victims of the quake, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India instituted emergency procedures to keep track of developments in Nepal and the need for search-and-rescue operations, as well as medical and other aid, to coordinate ROC government and private sector relief efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is assisting domestic nongovernmental organizations in their efforts to collect and transport essential emergency supplies to be sent to Nepal, including blankets, potable water, packaged foods, and medicines.
In light of the large number of casualties and dire need for medical care, MOFA plans to dispatch a team to Nepal April 28 from Taiwan International Health Action, which oversees the country’s emergency humanitarian medical aid.
From the private sector, Buddha’s Light International Association ROC, the Red Cross Society of the ROC, and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital have put together a joint medical team that is expected to reach Nepal the same day. The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation and Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps are also organizing medical teams.
Soon after the quake occurred, TECC India notified the Nepali government of Taiwan’s willingness to send search-and-rescue teams. Due to chaotic conditions in Nepal and to take advantage of the golden window for rescue operations, the Nepali government replied that it would first accept such aid from neighboring countries. TECC remains in close contact with the Nepali embassy in India in case rescue workers are still needed at a later time.
Donations from the public for disaster and reconstruction in Nepal will be accepted for the next month. Donations in Taiwan may be made to the Treasury Agency, Central Bank of the Republic of China, account no. 270750, or to Ministry of Health and Welfare emergency relief account no. 270750 at Nangang Kunyang Post Office, Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd.
Donations from abroad should go to MOHW emergency relief account no. 007-09-11868-0 at the Foreign Department, Mega International Commercial Bank. Please mark donations as intended for Nepal earthquake relief. MOFA will transfer all donated funds to Nepal.
The temblor, the strongest in Nepal since 1934, was centered 77 kilometers northeast of the capital. As of 4:30 p.m. April 27, 183 of the 204 Taiwan travelers in Nepal were safe and accounted for.
The ROC government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected, and expresses its wish that relief and reconstruction efforts proceed as smoothly and rapidly as possible. It calls on ROC compatriots, nongovernmental organizations, and charitable groups to help provide humanitarian aid in this dire crisis.
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