Earthquake in Taiwan damages St Luke's Church

Publish Date: 15-Feb-2018

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan at 11:50 pm on 6 February. The devastation was felt most keenly at Hualien and Yilan, where the strength of the earthquake reached seven on the Richter scale, causing the collapse of many buildings. Multiple people were reported dead, and almost three hundred were injured.

St Luke's Church in Hualien saw its altar table, pulpit, lectern and many interior furnishings destroyed. All church members are reported safe.

Archbishop Paul Kwong had written to Bishop David Lai of the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan to express his sympathies. He also called for prayers for the dead, the injured, and their families, as well as the displaced people.

Bishop Lai gave an update on the situation in his response, saying that his diocese was helping St Luke and the affected community in repair works and emergency aids.