中華民國外交部

Taiwan assists Haiti with relief work immediately after devastating earthquake

Haiti, Taiwan’s diplomatic ally in the Caribbean, was struck by a devastating magnitude 7 earthquake early in the morning of January 13, Taipei time (afternoon of January 12, local time). The epicenter was located near Port-au-Prince where many buildings have been collapsed and communications, heavily disrupted.

On hearing news of the tragedy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately launched the Emergency Response Mechanism for Disaster Prevention and Rescue, and set up a special taskforce to coordinate with civil organizations, including the Tzu-Chi Foundation, World Vision Taiwan, the Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation, to assist with relief work. The government also initiated the inter-ministerial coordination mechanism under the plan of International Humanitarian Rescue Missions. The Ministry of the Interior dispatched a 23-member Special Search and Rescue Team from the National Fire Agency on a China Airlines flight at 11:40 pm on January 13, with two search-and-rescue dogs and 2,000kg of equipment.

The building of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Haiti was severely damaged during the earthquake: Embassy staff, members of technical missions, family members, as well as Taiwanese businessmen sustained minor injuries or bone fractures; fortunately, none are in a serious condition. Until the present day, one Taiwanese businessman remains unaccounted for. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has instructed Taiwan’s embassies in neighboring countries to provide necessary assistance to the disaster areas in Haiti.

Haitian President René Préval and his wife are currently safe. President Ma Ying-jeou expressed his condolences and concern immediately after the earthquake, and the government has offered US$ 200,000 for relief aid. It will continue to provide financial assistance, relief supplies and manpower whenever necessary. It has also called for Taiwan’s NGOs to offer their assistance with the relief work based on spirit of philanthropy.

MOFA has warned Taiwanese citizens not to travel to Haiti unless absolutely imperative. (E)