Ambassador Steve C.C. Hsia, on behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan) government, made a donation of $40,000 on February 14, 2024, to the government of the Marshall Islands. This contribution will be equally distributed, with $20,000 allocated to each, to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the Ailinglaplap Atoll and Arno Atoll, both recently affected by big waves.
The donation was received by the Minister of Finance of the Marshall Islands, David Paul, on behalf of the Government of the Marshall Islands. The event was attended by esteemed officials, including Vice-Speaker of Nitijela (Parliament) Issac Zackhras, Senator Bruce Loeak representing the Ailinglaplap Atoll, Senator Gerald Zackios representing the Arno Atoll, and mayors from both atolls.
Ambassador Hsia conveyed, "Taiwan, empathizing with the challenges faced by the Marshall Islands, took immediate action to allocate humanitarian assistance funds upon learning about the devastating impact through Vice Speaker Zackhras's request for help and media reports. Our assistance may not be enough to cover all reconstruction efforts but hopes to help bring back the smiles on the affected families of the two atolls."
Senators Loeak and Zackios expressed gratitude on behalf of the affected residents, underscoring Taiwan's genuine friendship and timely support during this challenging period.
The Marshall Islands entered the king tide season in January, resulting in significant infrastructure damage and homes being impacted by large waves. Farmlands, roads, and airport runways also experienced inundation of seawater. Notably, Arno and Ailinglaplap Atolls emerged as two of the severely affected areas.
