By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Since September 2013, when Kaohsiung City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and Kumamoto City signed a memorandum of understanding to promote friendly exchanges, the bond between Kaohsiung and its sister city Kumamoto has been strong. In the wake of this major 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 undeniable 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 Japanese aid during Taiwan’s earthquake disaster earlier this year, has its rescue teams on standby to assist Japan at any time. The mutual support between Taiwan and Japan during times of disaster highlights the preciousness of their friendly ties.
The Kumamoto earthquake has caused severe damage, and sister city Kaohsiung is offering full assistance. The image shows Kumamon and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu. (Image source / Kaohsiung City Government)
After the 7.3-magnitude Kumamoto earthquake struck at 1:25 AM on April 16 (Japan Time), the scale of the disaster expanded and intensified. The death toll has reached 41, with 98,000 people affected. Many of Kumamoto’s key and well-known attractions have been impacted. The five-hundred-year-old Kumamoto Castle keep and outer walls are damaged, with repairs estimated to take 2–3 months. The 2,500-year-old Aso Shrine, a historic site, has collapsed severely, leaving priests and local residents in disbelief. The Aso Bridge has collapsed and is temporarily impassable. Electricity and gas services have also been affected. Shinkansen bullet trains and airport operations are nearly halted. With continuous aftershocks, those planning to visit Kumamoto in Kyushu in the near future must pay close attention to personal safety and transportation conditions. Tour groups to Kyushu in recent days have also faced cancellations, and consumers and travelers should take extra caution. The tourism impact on Kumamoto is estimated to have declined by a quarter. Currently, all tour groups from Taiwan in Kyushu have reported being safe.