EU promises Taiwan ‘all assistance needed’ after earthquake that hit the island

Brussels – The European Union is immediately available for Taiwan’s authorities to help with earthquake emergency management efforts. “My heartfelt support goes out to all those affected by the earthquake in Taiwan. And my condolences to the families of the victims,” is the reaction of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, after the news of the most powerful earthquake tremor in 25 years on the island. “The European Union stands ready to provide any assistance needed,” the leader of the EU institution promises.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded this morning (April 3) at 7:58 a.m. local time (1:58 a.m. Italian time), off the island in the Pacific Ocean, about 18 kilometers south of the City of Hualien. At the moment, several buildings in the coastal town have collapsed, and there have been at least nine deaths and over 700 injured. Brussels can provide support to Taipei through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which – should a request for help from the Taiwanese authorities arrive – can be activated by the Emergency Response Coordination Center and will take in voluntary aid provided by EU member countries.