Responding to the Earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan

Earthquake damage in Hualien

At approximately 8:58 a.m. local time on April 3, 2024, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan. The epicenter was approximately 15 miles off the coast of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan. Hualien City suffered extensive damage, and as of April 10, 13 people have died, with six still missing and more than 1,100 others injured.

Peace Winds staff were in Taiwan at the time of the earthquake, and immediately afterward, our teams began working with a local medical and search-and-rescue organization that is one of our longtime partners, the Taiwan Disaster Medical Team Development Association (DMAT). On April 6, three members of the Peace Winds “ARROWS” airborne search-and-rescue team were dispatched to the disaster zone to join them.

Currently, Peace Winds is working to deliver emergency supplies to earthquake survivors. This includes food, water, medical supplies, and hygiene products. Peace Winds and DMAT are also working to support the operations of temporary shelters for those who have lost their homes. 

Water outages affected many people after the earthquake, but fortunately, water has now been restored in many areas. In Hualien, which suffered the most severe damage, demolition work is currently underway to remove debris and prevent further damage or collapse of buildings. Many residents have evacuated voluntarily, and others are being asked not to enter their earthquake-damaged homes to prevent further deaths and injuries. Some evacuees are staying in hotels or with friends and relatives, while others are currently living in temporary shelters.

As the situation progresses, Peace Winds will continue to work with local organizations, including the government and NGOs, to determine the needs of survivors. 

Peace Winds America is collecting donations which will be used to support ongoing relief efforts for earthquake survivors in Hualien. If you have not yet made a donation and would like to do so, please visit our donation page and select “Taiwan Earthquake” in the dropdown menu. We are grateful for your support which makes our relief and recovery efforts possible.

Peace Winds staff member dispatched to disaster zone

Cleanup of debris in Hualien

Food distribution in Hualien