By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team

Since September 2013, when the cities of Kaohsiung, Kumamoto Prefecture, and Kumamoto City signed a memorandum to promote friendly exchanges, the bond between Kaohsiung and its Japanese sister city Kumamoto has been strong. In the wake of this powerful earthquake in Kumamoto, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu not only donated one month’s salary (approximately NT$190,000) but also stated that Kaohsiung has an inescapable duty to extend a helping hand and provide all possible assistance. The Kaohsiung City Government team has expressed concern to Kumamoto Prefecture. Meanwhile, Tainan City, which received aid from Japan during the Taiwan earthquake disaster earlier this year, has put its rescue teams on standby to assist Japan if needed. The mutual support and friendship between Taiwan and Japan become even more precious in times of disaster.

After the 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto at 1:25 a.m. Japan time on April 16, the disaster has worsened significantly, with the death toll reaching 41 and 98,000 residents affected. Many of Kumamoto's important and well-known tourist attractions have also been impacted. Kumamoto Castle, with a history of over 500 years, has sustained damage to its keep and outer walls, with repairs expected to take 2–3 months. The 2,500-year-old Aso Shrine has suffered severe collapse, leaving priests and local residents in disbelief. The Aso Bridge has collapsed severely and is currently impassable. Electricity and gas supplies have also been affected, while the Shinkansen and airport operations have nearly come to a halt. With continuous aftershocks, those planning to visit Kumamoto in Kyushu must pay close attention to their personal safety and transportation conditions. Tour groups heading to Kyushu in recent days have also faced cancellations, and consumers and travelers should be especially vigilant. Kumamoto’s tourism industry is estimated to have declined by about a quarter due to this disaster. All current tour groups from Taiwan in Kyushu have reported being safe.
 

Undermined by the 7.3-magnitude earthquake, the historic Aso Shrine has collapsed