
AI-generated summary
Tainan City and Kumamoto Prefecture are sister cities. Historically, Kumamoto has provided assistance to Tainan during earthquake disasters. This time Tainan has returned assistance to Kumamoto for the earthquake, reflecting the long-term mutual aid mechanism between the two countries.
Tainan Mayor Huang Weizhe conveyed the concerns from Tainan citizens to the Yucheng area. (Provided by Tainan City Government)
A strong earthquake occurred in Kumamoto, Japan on July 28. Tainan Mayor Huang Weizhe called for donations for disaster relief. On the 12th, he made a special trip to Kumamoto to hand over the donations in person. A total of 55 million yen was raised, of which 30 million yen was transferred to Tainan Friendship City, the Ucheng area that was hardest hit by the disaster. The remaining 25 million yen was transferred to Kumamoto County to assist in the recovery and reconstruction of the county.
Huang Weizhe said that when a strong earthquake occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture, the city government immediately expressed its sincere condolences to the Kumamoto Prefectural Government and the friendship city Ujo area (Uto City, Ujo City, and Misato Town). It also opened a special fundraising account to invite citizens to support Kumamoto. A total of 55 million yen was raised this time. Kumamoto gave Tainan a lot of care and support during the 2016 Tainan earthquake in 2016, the 2025 Nansi earthquake, and Typhoon Danai. When Kumamoto suffered an earthquake this time, Tainan also felt the same and hopes to contribute to post-disaster recovery and support Kumamoto through fundraising.
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Kumamoto Prefecture Governor Kei Kimura said he was very grateful to Tainan for expressing concern as soon as the earthquake hit and for raising funds to send to Kumamoto. Kumamoto and Tainan have not only been exchange partners for many years, but also supported and encouraged each other when encountering difficulties. The timely rain from Tainan citizens across the sea is an important force in supporting the reconstruction of the disaster area. Tainan citizens are invited to travel to less affected areas in Kumamoto Prefecture or purchase Kumamoto special products to support Kumamoto's economic recovery.
Uto City Mayor Mitsui Shogo expressed his heartfelt thanks to Tainan citizens for their care and support for the Yucheng area. The love of Tainan citizens has brought substantial help to the disaster-stricken area. The Yucheng area will properly use this donation to rebuild as soon as possible. He hopes that in the future, the Yucheng area and Tainan City will continue to maintain this precious mutual aid friendship, and also deepen the friendship between the two sides through exchanges in various fields.
Tainan Mayor Huang Weizhe personally went to Kumamoto to convey Tainan's care and hand over disaster relief donations. (Provided by Tainan City Government)

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