Taiwan will donate NT$5 million (US$155,000) to support Japan’s reconstruction efforts following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in the Kumamoto region and help affected residents return to normal life as quickly as possible. That announcement came from the Foreign Ministry on Friday, July 31.

The Foreign Ministry added that Taiwan and Japan share a close relationship and deep bonds between their peoples, with both governments and nations consistently extending helping hands in times of urgent need. It said that fundraising efforts will be handled by the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), which has opened a dedicated account for that purpose. Fundraising will begin on August 1.

In a separate statement on Friday, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) called on the public to actively donate to assist the affected areas of Japan. He added that Taiwan’s search and rescue teams are now ready to depart immediately should Japan require assistance.