Taiwanese citizens have contributed more than NT$540 million (US$17.3 million) via the government's special donation account towards the recent Ishikawa earthquake damages. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) has already forwarded the funds to Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chief Representative Kazuyuki Katayama, according to a Foreign Ministry press release on Friday.
The magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit the Noto area of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, caused serious damages and casualties on New Year's Day. The Taiwan government took the lead in aid, donating NT$13 million (US$416,000) and opening an account for public contributions to which more than 134,000 donations were deposited.
Wu said that whenever there is a major disaster, Taiwan and Japan always lend each other a helping hand. He said that the Taiwanese people share the grief of this earthquake and it is touching to receive so many donations in just two weeks after the account was established.
In a speech, Katayama expressed his gratitude and also emphasized that Taiwan and Japan support each other during natural disasters and epidemics, which is a testimony of their friendship. Both sides hope that the recovery of the disaster area will be completed as soon as possible.