Taiwanese celebrity Tansin Tan prays for Kumamoto after earthquake, heatwave

Kumamoto Prefecture is deploying mobile air conditioning units to evacuation centers as the region grapples with a severe heatwave and the aftermath of a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. The distribution began Saturday afternoon, providing much-needed relief in areas still experiencing water and power disruptions.

The region is bracing for extreme temperatures, with forecasts predicting a significant rise across Japan this weekend. Kyushu and the Kanto region are expected to see heat exceeding normal body temperature, while Kumamoto could face highs nearing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Taiwanese actress Tansin Tan shared her deep concern for Kumamoto on social media. She expressed admiration for the Japanese people's calm demeanor and mutual support during the disaster. "A country that experiences so many major natural disasters, its wisdom, resilience, and spirituality are constantly being tested and growing!" she wrote.

Tan shared lyrics from the song "The Path of Compassion" by musician Lee Shou-chuan, reflecting on the potential for growth through hardship. The lyrics speak of cultivating compassion in suffering, testing wisdom in uncertainty, inspiring resilience in difficulty, learning patience in complexity, appreciating strengths in challenges, and pursuing progress. Tan concluded her post with a prayer for Kumamoto, hoping for a world free from suffering and tears.