Grocery Certificate Distribution for Earthquake Survivors in Hualien
About four months have passed since the 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien, Taiwan, and Peace Winds is continuing to support displaced households through food support. In June, Peace Winds distributed gift certificates to 2,000 families so they could purchase groceries. This activity was carried out in partnership with Tongguan Super Market, a local grocery chain with many stores in Hualien.
Peace Winds is also grateful to everyone at the ChiAn ChingHsiou Temple for allowing our teams to use the temple as a distribution space. The location was convenient and accessible for earthquake survivors to access, and it allowed the staff to connect with evacuees directly. The community-building aspect of distribution activities like this is important after many evacuation centers have closed.
Peace Winds is especially focused on aiding survivors from “yellow tagged” homes, which were damaged but not completely destroyed. Because these individuals are encouraged but not required to evacuate their homes, they receive less government assistance than those from “red tagged” homes–buildings that were badly damaged and whose residents are required to evacuate.
In Hualien City, demolition work on buildings at risk of collapse has nearly finished, and it is becoming increasingly uncommon to see construction workers or vehicles. Fortunately, the city is also seeing a return of tourism. However, flooding during this summer’s rainy season has further loosened soil that was disturbed by the earthquake, and the nearby Taroko National Park has experienced an increase in landslides.
Thanks to the support of our donors, Peace Winds will continue to distribute gift certificates to evacuees in Hualien. Our teams continue to monitor the needs of survivors, and we will provide long-term support as these needs evolve. If you would like to make a donation to earthquake recovery efforts in Taiwan, please click here and choose “Tawian earthquake” in the dropdown menu. We are grateful for your continued support.
