Text / Compiled and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Department
In the wake of the catastrophic magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, Pingtung County Magistrate Pan Meng-an said that the county’s Special Search and Rescue Team of the International Humanitarian Rescue Organization is fully prepared and on standby. True friendship is seen in times of adversity—Pingtung County is ready, and if Japan needs assistance, Pingtung’s Special Search and Rescue Team can be deployed to the disaster zone at any time. On the 18th, Deputy Magistrate Wu Li-xue, representing Magistrate Pan Meng-an, visited Director Nakanokori Kinzo at the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association’s Kaohsiung Office to express Pingtung County’s wish to donate a container of bananas—Japan’s favorite fruit—as a gesture of support and disaster relief. Some farmers even expressed a desire to go to the disaster area to peel pineapples for the victims.
Pingtung County’s Gaoshu Township is a major banana producer. The county plans to donate a container of bananas to the earthquake victims in Kumamoto, Japan. (Image source / Ministry of Culture)
The Special Search and Rescue Team under Pingtung County’s Fire Bureau was the first such unit established in Taiwan after the 921 Earthquake. Its rescue equipment meets international standards. The humanitarian rescue team consists of 24 police and firefighters, 12 volunteer firefighters, three doctors, and one architect. Additionally, the special search dog “Didi” obtained advanced certification from IRO (International Rescue Dog Organization) in 2011 and has rescued many hikers during typhoons and mountain accidents.
In addition to personnel, the team is equipped with tools and devices including infrared audiovisual life detectors, acoustic life detectors, thermal imaging life detectors, various hydraulic demolition kits, square lifting airbags, and various support tools.
Magistrate Pan Meng-an also instructed the county government to contact the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. Beyond the support from the special search and rescue team, the entire county government will do its utmost to provide any possible assistance.
Kumamoto Earthquake Devastation: Sister City Kaohsiung Offers All Possible Aid
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