Taiwan raises $1.5 billion for Kumamoto earthquake relief

A strong earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan, killing 38 people and injuring over 100. Taiwan’s foreign minister Lin Chia‑lung delivered NT$500 million in official aid to the Japan‑Taiwan Exchange Association. Within a week, the Taiwan International Cooperation Development Fund’s donation account collected more than NT$1.5 billion from over 12,000 contributors, reflecting broad public support. President Lai Ching‑te, Vice President Lai Ching‑te, Premier Chou Yung‑tai and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. each pledged additional contributions, the latter donating ¥2.5 billion for reconstruction. Japanese media highlighted the cross‑national cooperation, noting the long‑standing practice of mutual assistance between the two disaster‑prone societies. The aid aims to accelerate rebuilding efforts and deepen Taiwan‑Japan partnership.