Reported by C. K. Chiang, volunteer reporter of TCNN
A strong earthquake struck off east coast of Taiwan with magnitude of 7.2. It hit Hualien on Wednesday, April 3, at 7:58 a.m. This earthquake caused severe disasters and casualties in many places across Taiwan, especially the Hualien and its mountain areas. Until April 7, 13 people dead 1,145 people injured, 6 people lost in contact and 604 people stranded. This earthquake is the strongest in 25 years.
After hearing from the disasters in Hualien, Rev. William Lin, Programme Secretary for Church and Society of Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT), immediately moved to Hualien in any possible approach, and listened to the responses from local pastors and went to the disaster area to understand what had happened and what was the need at the time. ‘Amis Presbytery sadly said after the earthquake happened, a Pangcah (‘Amis) died right away after stones and rocks fell on him while drving on Suhua Highway. In addition, Bunun Presbytery also informed Rev. William Lin that a Bunun woman died from the earthquake while working on the Central Cross-Island Highway.
On the one hand, there are many chapels of Truku Presbytery and church buildings of Eastern Presbytery damaged severely because of the earthquake. On the other hand, the communities and many villages are lack of water supply.
For Yushan Theological Seminary located in Hualien mountain area was also severely damaged in the shaking. At the time as the earthquake occurred, lecturers and students were safe; but the land of students dormitories were sinking with cracks. The wall of the General Building also cracked seriously.
For the latest news, please visit Facebook-PCT Society (長老教會教會與社會委員會). Your offering for the earthquake and disaster relief may also be welcome through the following approach:
ALL FOREIGN CURRENCY：
Account No.：002087242539 SWIFT：UWCBTWTP
Account Name：Juridical Person of Mission Foundation of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan
Bank：Cathay United Bank
No. 149, Sec. 3, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, TAIWAN
