On the morning of April 3 at 7:58 am Taiwan time, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck approximately 25 kilometers (about 15.53 mi) southeast of Hualien County Government. In response, Tzu Chi Headquarters also situated in Hualien promptly established an outdoors "0403 Hualien Earthquake Disaster Care and Response Center" on the grounds of the Jing Si Abode. Master Cheng Yen personally oversaw the operations and ensured that Tzu Chi initiated its disaster care and response mechanisms to address the situation.
Despite the impact of the earthquake on the Jing Si Abode in Hualien, resulting in structural damage and scattered items, all personnel are safe, and disaster care operations are functioning normally at the Tzu Chi "0403 Hualien Earthquake Disaster Care and Response Center." The center has been continuously receiving reports of affected areas and individuals in need throughout Hualien County. Responding to the demand for hot meals and supplies, the masters and volunteers at the Jing Si Abode promptly mobilized to prepare hot meal boxes for rescue workers and those affected.
Simultaneously, based on information received from various sources, Tzu Chi has immediately activated the transportation and distribution of disaster relief supplies, including eco-blankets, Jing Si multi-purpose foldable beds, partition tents, outdoor tents, hot meals, drinking water, energy drinks, and other essentials. These efforts aim to address the urgent needs of those affected by the earthquake and ensure that assistance reaches them promptly.
Following the major earthquake in Hualien, Master Cheng Yen, not only personally oversaw the operations at the "0403 Hualien Earthquake Disaster Care and Response Center" but also took special care to observe Tzu Chi's involvement in the relief efforts. In the afternoon of the same day, accompanied by Tzu Chi's Vice President, Pi-yu Lin, and deputy CEOs, Rey-Sheng Her, Simon Shyong, and George Chang, Master Cheng Yen visited the earthquake-damaged areas in Hualien to express gratitude and care to the onsite police, firefighters, rescue workers, Tzu Chi volunteers, Fo Guang Shan, and other NGOs involved in the relief efforts.
Master Cheng Yen also personally visited hospitals, schools, and other locations to understand and provide care. From afternoon until dusk, she dedicated herself to expressing concern and offering support. It was only after sundown that she returned to the Jing Si Abode.
Master Cheng Yen visited the quake-affected sites and expressed special appreciation and gratitude to the Dharma masters of Fo Guang Shan and volunteers present. She thanked the firefighters who had immediately mobilized after the earthquake and the hardworking frontline rescue teams. Master Cheng Yen also offered her blessings and earnestly reminded everyone to prioritize safety in their endeavors.
Tzu Chi Foundation has highlighted that in addition to activating Tzu Chi's disaster response mechanism promptly following the April 3rd earthquake, Po-Wen Yen, the CEO of Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, will continue to address the ongoing care and needs arising from the earthquake. Through Tzu Chi's care and close collaboration with both central and local governments, they aim to minimize the impact of this earthquake as swiftly as possible.
