The Republic of China (Taiwan) government pledged Sept. 22 to donate US$100,000 toward relief and reconstruction efforts in Mexico following the recent magnitude 7.1 earthquake centered on Axochiapan—around 160 kilometers from the capital Mexico City—that leveled buildings and left more than 250 dead.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Mexico during this time of tragedy,” said Jose Maria Liu, vice minister of foreign affairs, during a briefing with Martin Torres, head of the Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office in Taipei. “It is our most sincere hope that every effort is made in caring for the victims and reuniting family members.”
Liu said the people of Taiwan will never forget the compassion and concern of Mexico in sending a rescue team to assist in recovery work after the Jiji Earthquake. “This gesture undeniably demonstrated that humanitarian assistance knows no national boundaries.”
Striking central Taiwan Sept. 21, 1999, the magnitude 7.3 earthquake killed 2,455, injured 11,305 and destroyed around 85,000 buildings. It was one of the worst natural disasters to impact the country in recorded history.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the donation is expected to be made by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Mexico after consultations with relevant Mexican government agencies. It also confirmed the deaths of four of the five ROC nationals trapped in the rubble of a collapsed office building in Mexico City.
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Sept. 20, less than two weeks after a magnitude 8.2 temblor shook southern Mexico. The latter was the biggest quake to hit the Latin American country in 100 years. (JSM)
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