Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Nantou earthquake, which struck Jiji on September 21, 1999. The disaster resulted in the loss of over 2,415 lives and injured 11,305 people. In the years since, Taiwan has focused on enhancing its disaster preparedness and resilience.
Taiwan's efforts have turned it into a regional model for emergency response. To commemorate this tragic event, AIT Director Raymond Greene and Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Katayama Kazuyuki recorded a joint video message. They emphasized the ongoing commitment of the United States, Japan, and Taiwan to assist each other in preparing for and responding to disasters.
Reflecting on past events such as typhoon Morakot, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, and COVID-19, Greene stated that "the United States, Japan, and Taiwan continue to support each other as close friends and partners during times of need." The three nations remain dedicated to sharing their experiences and expertise globally.
Special thanks were extended to the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association for their cooperation in producing the commemorative video.