Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today called upon New Yorkers to aid the victims of the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in a decade. The massive earthquake that struck early Monday morning registered 7.6 on the Richter scale, and was similar in strength to the earthquake that struck Turkey last month in which 15,000 people were killed.
Monday's earthquake, which has left in its wake a path of destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure, has already claimed an estimated 1,869 lives, injured more than 4,400 people and left another 2,600 people trapped in rubble. Officials estimate that more than 100,000 people are now homeless.
"New Yorkers have always shown tremendous compassion when tragedy strikes, both here and abroad, whether it's the victims of the conflict in Kosovo, those devastated in Central America after the deadliest Atlantic storm of the 20th Century, or those affected by last month's deadly earthquake in Turkey," said Mayor Giuliani. "I know that New Yorkers will offer their assistance and help the people of Taiwan recover from this disaster."
The complexity involved in transporting donated goods to Taiwan has prompted relief organizations to request monetary contributions so that goods can be purchased overseas. To make a monetary contribution for victims of the earthquake, New Yorkers can send a check, made out to NYC Public/Private Initiative, to:
In the remarks/memo portion of the check contributors should write earthquake relief. Individuals with further questions on how they can help are encouraged to call 212-788-7410 or 212-788-7418.
The Mayor was joined by, Community Assistance Unit Commissioner Rosemarie C. O'Keefe, Taiwanese Government Representative Kun Chen and Flushing Chinese Business Association President Jimmy Meng, for today's announcement at City Hall.