Taiwanese authorities reported that at least 736 people were injured in the strong earthquake on the morning of Wednesday, April 3, and the death toll on the island rose to seven. According to the National Fire Agency (NFA), the strong tremors that shook Taiwan damaged 97 buildings across the island. For the president of the bishops, Dom John Baptist Lee, it is too early to say exactly “how many victims there are and what concrete help they need”
Vatican News
At 7:58 am local time this Wednesday, April 3, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook Taiwan and the seismic shock was felt throughout the island. The violent tremors caused damage in several counties and cities, especially in Hualien in the eastern part of the island, which is close to the quake’s epicenter.
“The diocese – says a note issued by the local Church – immediately contacted all parishes.” “At this time, with the exception of a few objects in some parishes that have fallen to the ground or been damaged and need repairs, there are no reports of serious damage.”
Assistance to members of the Church and parishes
“As aftershocks continue, pastors, leaders and members of pastoral committees, and parishioners are urged to continue to be vigilant, pay attention to safety, stay away from buildings and seek shelter in open spaces.”
The diocese assures its commitment to providing assistance and “attention to the needs of the members of the Church and parishes” and concludes: “Let us seek in our worries and fears the peace of the Risen Jesus! May the peace of the Lord be with us! Therefore, let us pray together !”
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook Taiwan this Wednesday, April 3, and the seismic shock was felt throughout the island (AFP)
People of Hualien, who suffer the most, some still shocked
“Fortunately, we learned from the Bishop of Hualien, Bishop Philip Huang, that no parish church or building in his diocese was damaged and that no Catholic faithful were injured,” said Bishop John Baptist Lee, president of the Episcopal Conference.
“As the epicenter of the earthquake was in Hualien, the buildings and people of Hualien are suffering the most and some are still shocked,” the prelate said, adding that no significant damage or casualties were reported in other cities.”
Nearly 100 buildings damaged across the island
“As local authorities are now rescuing victims in the areas affected by the disaster,” the bishops’ president added, it is too early to say exactly “how many victims there are and what concrete help they need. Therefore, for now, we ask that, for On the one hand, keep us in your prayers and, on the other, allow us to closely monitor the development of the situation.”
Taiwanese authorities reported that at least 736 people were injured in Wednesday morning’s strong earthquake, and the death toll on the island rose to seven. According to the National Fire Agency (NFA), the strong tremors that shook Taiwan damaged 97 buildings across the island.
(with Sir)
Tags: Taiwan earthquake Diocese Hualien assistance attention affected
