[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19134]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             ONE YEAR AFTER TAIWAN'S DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT W. NEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2000

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my 
colleagues:
  Many of us still remember the horrific earthquake that hit Taiwan on 
September 21, 1999. More than 2400 people were killed, hundreds were 
seriously injured and missing and 100,000 people were left homeless. 
About 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed. Property damage 
amounted to billions of U.S. dollars.
  The Republic of China government was swift and efficient in its 
rescue efforts. Rescue and relief operations were carried out by local 
and international specialized teams from 21 countries. Now a year 
later, the Republic of China has fully recovered from its economic 
losses, and the government has done everything possible to help its 
quake victims. For those families with quake-related deceased members, 
they have received cash grants and for families with collapsed or half-
collapsed houses, they have received special loans to help them rebuild 
their homes. The government, with the help of the private sector, has 
also set up shelters for affected families.
  In addition, Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian on June 1 
this year set up a cabinet-level commission to oversee all 
reconstruction efforts. This commission will have members from all 
government agencies and ministries, and the commission's goal is to 
ensure that all affected families will have the chance to resume the 
lives they led before the quake.
  In short, the Republic of China government has spared no effort in 
helping its quake-affected families. Its financial outlay in 
reconstruction has amounted to nearly US$ 5 billion. Indeed, the quake 
brought out the best in the Taiwan people. It has accentuated their 
ability to overcome adversity. They have learned to deal with the 
trouble and get on with their lives.

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