American Red Cross Commits $100,000 to Taiwan Earthquake Relief Efforts

WASHINGTON -- The American Red Cross has committed $100,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) to assist relief efforts in Taiwan following the deadly earthquake that struck September 21.
The powerful earthquake has caused massive and widespread destruction--crushing buildings, destroying roads, and knocking out power and communication lines in Taipei and the surrounding areas. Immediately following the quake, the Federation sent a team of eight relief specialists to assist the Taiwan Red Cross Organization with their response to the disaster. In the hardest hit areas of Nantou County and nearby Taichung County, hospitals filled with the injured and a large sports stadium was converted into an emergency medical clinic. So far, outside medical help has not been requested by Taiwan.

Two days following the earthquake, two serious aftershocks, ranked 6.8 and 6.3 on the Richter scale, triggered mudslides in the center of Taiwan, causing cracks in the dam of the Sun Moon Lake Reservoir and further complicating search and rescue efforts. The official death toll has risen to 2,100 and the number of injured has climbed to 7,629. An estimated 424 people remain trapped in the rubble and 210 are missing. More than 100,000 survivors have been reported homeless.

Rescue efforts began immediately after the quake hit. Search and rescue teams from around the world, including the United States, Israel, Singapore, Japan, Turkey, and Russia, began arriving in Taiwan on Wednesday. The Taiwanese government mobilized all of its resources to respond to the disaster. Search and rescue efforts continue to move forward amidst an estimated 2,000 aftershocks that have occurred since the main quake.

How the Red Cross Is Responding to the Earthquake

The Red Cross Movement is first and foremost concerned with getting help to the victims of this disaster. Together, the Federation and the Taiwan Red Cross Organization are assessing the widespread damage and the most immediate needs in the worst-hit areas of Nantou and Taichung counties, specifically in Puli and Chung Liao. The Taiwan Red Cross Organization is caring for the people made homeless by the quake, distributing relief supplies. The Federation team, now on-site, includes disaster relief workers, medical personnel, and an information officer. Seven of the workers are from the Japanese Red Cross Society and one is from the Federation.

The Red Cross Society of China has committed $100,000 in cash to support the Taiwan Red Cross Organization and $60,000 worth of disaster relief supplies.

The best way to helps those who may be affected by the Taiwan Earthquake and other international disasters is to make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross International Response Fund by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or by making a secure online credit card donation.