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MOFA announces US$500,000 donation to assist US relief efforts in wake of Southern California wildfires

  • Date:2025-01-16
  • Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

January 16, 2025 

No. 018 


Recent wildfires raging across mountainous areas in Southern California in the United States have caused severe devastation, with at least 25 deaths confirmed and more than 12,300 structures destroyed. The fires remain severe. Nearly 90,000 people have been evacuated, and losses are estimated to have reached US$150 billion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced a donation of US$500,000 to assist the local government in rescue and relief efforts.

 

At the suggestion of the Los Angeles city government, the donation will be made to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and will be used for the purchase of professional firefighting equipment urgently needed in rescue operations. 

 

Following the outbreak of wildfires in the mountainous regions of Los Angeles, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles promptly conveyed sympathies to the local government on behalf of the Taiwan government. It has also actively integrated relief resources of overseas Taiwanese communities, the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, the Buddha’s Light International Association, and other charitable organizations. To date, tens of thousands of N95 masks have been donated to rescue workers, disaster victims, and local educational institutions to help protect against poor air quality. Numerous overseas Taiwanese communities have responded by launching fundraisers and in-kind donation drives, providing free accommodation, and initiating other charitable acts. 

 

Taiwan and the United States maintain a cordial partnership, and their peoples enjoy robust friendships. Taiwan and California have shared a sister-state relationship for 41 years, and Southern California has the largest population of Taiwanese compatriots in the United States. In the wake of the wildfire destruction, Taiwan has proactively upheld the spirit of humanitarian concern, showing that Taiwan can help and Taiwan is helping. Taiwan hopes that rescue and relief operations will proceed smoothly; that the situation will be brought under control at an early date; and that those affected, including local Taiwanese compatriots, can resume their normal lives. (E)