A rescuer watches as excavation machinery digs though the rubble of a collapsed building complex in Tainan, Taiwan, on Feb. 11, five days after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake. (Johnson Lai, The Associated Press)
On Feb. 6, the southern Taiwan city of Tainan was hit by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake. The earthquake killed at least 117 people and injured more than 550.
After the earthquake, the U.S. State Department issued a statement expressing their deepest condolences over the recent devastation and loss of life caused by the earthquake in southern Taiwan. The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) also presented $500,000 to the Taiwan Red Cross for disaster assistance and said, The American people stand with the people of Taiwan during this difficult time.
My office has also received plenty of condolences and sympathies from many good friends here in Denver.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. Taiwan thanks the U.S. for all its kindness in helping us get through the hard times. We will always remember.
Jerry S. Chang, Denver
The writer is director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver.
This letter was published in the Fab. 28 edition.
