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Taiwan Prepares Rescue Team for Immediate Dispatch to Quake-Hit Kumamoto; Japanese Netizens Express Profound Gratitude

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Taiwan immediately prepared a search and rescue team to assist Japan following a powerful earthquake in Kumamoto.
  • The swift action prompted an outpouring of gratitude from Japanese netizens, who thanked Taiwan for its support.
  • The Taiwanese team, including specialized rescue units, is on standby to deploy if requested by Japan.

Taiwan has mobilized a specialized search and rescue team, ready to deploy to Japan following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the 28th. President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai directed the National Fire Agency to prepare the team for immediate dispatch.

Thank you, Taiwan

— Japanese netizensExpressed in numerous comments on social media following the news of Taiwan's readiness to send rescue teams.

News of Taiwan's readiness to assist quickly spread across Japanese social media, eliciting a flood of emotional responses. Netizens expressed deep gratitude, with many commenting "Thank you, Taiwan" and celebrating "Japan-Taiwan friendship." The Taiwanese team, comprising units from Tainan, Chiayi County, and Hsinchu City, along with additional support from Kaohsiung due to its sister city relationship with Kumamoto, is on standby. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated they will proceed with the deployment upon receiving a request from Japan.

Japan-Taiwan friendship

— Japanese netizensA sentiment widely shared online in response to Taiwan's immediate offer of aid.

On social media platform Threads, a post detailing Taiwan's response garnered over 1.4 million views and 140,000 likes, with Japanese users praising Taiwan's rapid response and consistent support during crises. Comments highlighted Taiwan's efficiency, empathy, and the speed of President Lai's decision-making. Many expressed profound thanks, noting Taiwan's kindness even while dealing with its own earthquake challenges. The overwhelming sentiment was one of deep appreciation for Taiwan's unwavering solidarity.

Taiwanese people I'm really crying, Taiwan is always the fastest to provide assistance during disasters, and this time is no exception.

— Japanese netizensReflecting the deep appreciation for Taiwan's prompt and consistent support.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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