April 3 Hualien Earthquake —A Letter of Gratitude from the CEO

Dear beloved friends and Tzu Chi family,

On the morning of April 3, 2024, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale struck Hualien, causing widespread tremors throughout Taiwan. The sudden jolt caused more than ten buildings to tilt and collapse, affecting more than two thousand households. Additionally, the impact of over thirteen hundred aftershocks exacerbated the situation. In terms of intensity and damage, this has been the worst earthquake to hit Taiwan since the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake.

Looking back over the past month, we are sincerely grateful for the outpouring of support and care from people across Taiwan and around the world for the disaster-stricken area of Hualien in eastern Taiwan. Your timely and generous donations of resources have made a significant impact, bringing warmth and comfort to both the affected residents of Hualien and to us.

Tzu Chi originated in Hualien and its headquarters are located here, so it is our duty and responsibility to provide care and assistance in the aftermath of the April 3 Hualien Earthquake. Tzu Chi’s founder Master Cheng Yen personally led the establishment of an emergency response center immediately after the earthquake. She urged Tzu Chi volunteers to prioritize their own safety while also taking immediate action to provide aid and support to those affected. Furthermore, she called upon everyone to stay vigilant, sincere, and to care for others, fostering solidarity in overcoming challenges together.

Within 4-6 hours after the earthquake, Tzu Chi Foundation acted swiftly, opening shelters and delivering 600 boxed lunches to the survivors and emergency responders. Tzu Chi volunteers conducted heartfelt visits and distributed aid, while medical teams, volunteers, and educators mobilized aid. They offered care to affected residents at shelters and provided medical aid at hospitals. Despite the challenges of the long weekend holiday the day after the earthquake, emergency funds were disbursed within 24 hours. Additionally, Tzu Chi extended its care and support to survivors in Taipei City and New Taipei City.

During the ongoing emergency relief efforts, over 1,500 households received emergency funds, benefiting from more than 6,200 servings of hot meals. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Tzu Chi mobilized professional volunteers from across Taiwan to collaborate with the Hualien County government in conducting reinforcement and repair work for damaged homes. Furthermore, discussions are underway to develop medium and long-term recovery and reconstruction plans. We hope that by working together, both public and private sectors can rebuild homes and restore communities.

The relief efforts have been well-coordinated, with Tzu Chi volunteers organizing charity sales and fundraising events in different areas. Many entrepreneurs and companies have also generously donated funds, showing the compassion of society and a deep trust in our organization.

There are countless heartwarming acts of kindness. For instance, a primary school student used his savings to purchase a large amount of food and water, personally delivering it to a Tzu Chi service station to help the affected. Similarly, a retired teacher chose to donate her entire retirement savings to Tzu Chi, expressing the desire to give back to society through our organization.

Reflecting on these countless acts of kindness, Tzu Chi is deeply moved and grateful. Through this letter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and respect to all friends, supporters, and Tzu Chi family members who have shown genuine care and trust in our organization during this challenging time.

As Tzu Chi Foundation observes its 58th anniversary and approaches the upcoming Global Tzu Chi Day on May 12th, coinciding with Buddha Day and Mother's Day, we cordially invite you to join Tzu Chi volunteers worldwide in participating in the Buddha Day ceremonies locally. With sincere hearts, let us pray for peace in Taiwan and around the world.

Wishing you good health and a happy Mother's Day!

Sincerely,
Po-Wen Yen
Chief Executive Officer, Tzu Chi Foundation