The devastation left by Typhoon Danas on July 7, 2025, continues to affect daily life in Tainan and Chiayi. With the typhoon gone, the long road to recovery continues, marked by the resilience of survivors and the unwavering support of volunteers from across Taiwan.
A Human Chain of Compassion
In Tainan’s Qigu District, the work of restoring homes is both urgent and physically demanding. On July 26, a line of volunteers formed a “tile-passing chain,” carefully removing and transporting red roof tiles from damaged homes. Among them was Po-Wen Yen, CEO of the Tzu Chi Foundation, who donned gloves and a hard hat to join the effort. His presence was not about leadership, but about standing shoulder to shoulder with those determined to help their neighbors reclaim a sense of safety.
Strength in Adversity
The chain included people of all ages and backgrounds. Seventy-year-old Chen-Wen Song (宋成文), who has lived for years with ankylosing spondylitis, stood out for his perseverance. Despite a visibly hunched back, he insisted on carrying tiles himself. “Keeping my body moving is the best way to prevent my condition from worsening. Volunteering is my best form of rehabilitation,” he explained. For Song, every tile passed was a testament to his resilience and his refusal to let illness define his life.
A Global Tapestry of Care
The recovery effort drew people from far and wide. Jose, a Mexican-American who settled in Taiwan, worked nimbly atop the roofs under the blazing sun. “My parents involved us in community service from a young age. Helping others is just part of life,” he said. Jose’s in-laws, both longtime volunteers, had brought him along, making the effort a family affair and a living example of compassion that transcends borders.
A New Beginning for a Special Couple
The team also visited a couple whose home had just been repaired. Both husband and wife are deaf, but their gratitude was unmistakable. The husband, Ah-Jin, beamed with pride as he gestured excitedly toward the freshly painted walls. “I painted this myself!” he signed, his joy and anticipation for a new chapter in life radiating from his face.
Experience and Friendship on the Rooftop
Among the volunteers was Ching-Fu Lin (林進福), a retired Marine Corps sergeant major, and Shih-Jun Yuan (袁適鈞), an experienced electrician. Both not only contributed their skills but also encouraged others to join, hoping to speed up the return to normalcy for their neighbors.
Meanwhile, a chance reunion took place on a rooftop. Ching-Fu Tang (唐慶復), wearing the orange uniform of the Taiwan Mountain Rescue Association, was busy securing tarps when he recognized an old friend, Chang-Min Chen (陳昌民). Their shared history of climbing and travel brought a moment of warmth to the hard work. “In the disaster zone, you see the truest side of humanity. It reminds me to appreciate what I have,” said Chang-Min.
United for Renewal
The rebuilding effort was a mosaic of dedication. Volunteers from across Taiwan, including teams from the north who had finished their own projects early, joined forces with local and Kaohsiung teams. Faces sunburned and hands calloused, they worked side by side, forging bonds that blurred the lines between regions and backgrounds.
Restoring More Than Homes
Eighteen days after Typhoon Danas, survivors like Ah-Jin and his wife could finally step into homes that felt almost new. For many, the repairs meant more than shelter—they represented a fresh start and the courage to move forward. The volunteers’ daily presence and unwavering support infused the community with hope, proving that even in the darkest times, kindness and unity can rebuild not just walls, but lives.
Written by Yi-Ting Wang (王藝婷)
Source:災區復建人手緊缺 慈濟動員缺你不可
