The Republic of China (Taiwan) government sent its condolences Sept. 20 to those affected earlier in the day by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake centered on Axochiapan, around 160 kilometers from the capital Mexico City, in the central state of Morelos that leveled buildings and left more than 200 dead.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Mexico during this time of tragedy,” said Jose Maria Liu, vice minister of foreign affairs, during a phone call with Martin Torres, head of the Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office in Taipei. “Taiwan is also situated in an area of high seismic activity and its people understand the hardships faced by quake victims in Mexico.”
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Mexico is liaising with relevant authorities to determine how best to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.
Concerning the five ROC nationals reported as trapped in the rubble of a collapsed office building in Mexico City, the MOFA said emergency services personnel are working around the clock to locate them. In addition, TECOM Representative Carlos S. C. Liao and other officials are on the scene to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck less than two weeks after a magnitude 8.2 temblor shook southern Mexico. The biggest quake to hit the Latin American country in 100 years, it caused severe damage and left more than 90 dead. (JSM)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw