One Year After the Hualien Earthquake: Rebuilding and Recovering in Taiwan
It has been more than one year since a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Taiwan, near Hualien County. The disaster caused widespread destruction, damaging infrastructure, toppling buildings in Hualien City, and upending countless lives.
In the immediate aftermath, Peace Winds immediately responded and delivered emergency relief aid in coordination with local partners. One year later, we remain committed to supporting the ongoing recovery efforts and long-term rebuilding process.
Peace Winds’ work has evolved in response to changing on-the-ground needs and direct feedback from survivors. For example, after a famous residential and commercial complex was demolished, we provided grocery gift certificates to displaced residents that helped families purchase essentials during their time of transition.
Hualien City Still Bears the Scars of the Earthquake
While progress has been made, recovery is far from over. In Taroko National Park, a major tourist destination, many areas remain inaccessible, and full restoration is expected to take several years. Across the region, disaster prevention and preparedness remain part of daily life as residents work to rebuild their homes and communities.
A now uninhabitable apartment building that has been tagged as “Dangerous.”
Peace Winds visited several elementary schools in Hualien where we previously distributed disaster prevention kits and spoke with principals and teachers to better understand how students and staff were impacted by the disaster.
School building wall still shows signs of damage after repairs
Water machine with the slogan, “Preventing Disasters is Everyone’s Responsibility.”
Thanks to previous investments in earthquake-resistant infrastructure and routine disaster training, the schools were prepared. When the earthquake struck, students quickly took cover under their desks and evacuated safely under the guidance of their teachers. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, many of these children lost their homes, and over a dozen had to relocate far from the school. Some even had to transfer schools.
To help ensure these students can remain in their familiar learning environments, Peace Winds continues to provide financial support to schools and affected families.
Bringing Smiles to Elementary Schools by Distributing Disaster Prevention Bags
On March 5, 2025, we distributed disaster prevention kits to 1,039 students across three elementary schools in Hualien: Chung Yuan Kok, Chung Hsiao Kok, and Bei Bin Kok. These bags were part of a broader disaster preparedness effort that Peace Winds began in December 2024 with funding from Think The DAY, a Japanese company.
Students and teachers representing Peace Winds with their new earthquake prevention bags
Each kit contained more than a dozen customized household essentials, including hygiene products and school supplies. The students were excited to open their bags and explore what was inside, an important step in helping them feel safe and supported in preparation for future disasters.
Peace Winds team members passing out earthquake relief kits to students
Children gather on school grounds with disaster prevention kits
In a touching gesture of gratitude, one class performed a ukulele concert after school, playing popular Japanese anime songs they had been practicing. The heartfelt performance brought together students from lower and upper grades, showing us the resilience, joy, and hope still alive in Hualien’s young generation.
Students playing the ukulele
In April, we plan to distribute disaster prevention kits to another 3,300 students across three additional schools.
Continuing Support
Hualien’s path to recovery continues, and so does Peace Winds’ commitment. Working hand-in-hand with local schools and Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, we remain dedicated to protecting the lives and futures of children in Hualien and to standing alongside the community as it rebuilds. Donations from Peace Winds’ supporters make our ongoing work possible, and we sincerely thank you for standing with us.