Earlier today at about 8 a.m. local time, Taiwan’s east coastwas hit by its strongest earthquake in25 years.Tremors triggered at leastnine landslides and debris collapsed hillsidesonto Suhua Highway inHualien.The latest reports indicate that the 7.2-magnitude quake resulted in nine dead and more than 1,000 injured, while dozens are believed to remain trapped in tunnels and structures.
Myriad USA is partnering with two trusted organizations on the ground who have active response efforts:
Mustard Seed Mission (MSM)
Taiwan’s pioneering local social welfare organization, theMustard Seed Mission (MSM) is on the groundinitiating emergency shelter and care services for the affected,facilitating evacuations, providing essential supplies and financial aid to survivors.To assist communities in rebuilding and recovery, MSMcoordinating recovery efforts, including housing repairs and long-term support.
Huashan Social Welfare Foundation
Huashan Social Welfare Foundation serves underprivileged elderly, operating 400 “community half-way stations” around Taiwan. Each of Huashan’s community half-way stations sent teams to visit the 30,000 elders they serve, providing evaluation of the houses and beginning repairs. They also educate and support beneficiaries in aftershock preparedness.
We continue to assess needs and local partners working on relief and recovery following the earthquake.