(President Lee Teng-hui delivered the following address in Taipei this afternoon immediately after touring earthquake-stricken central Taiwan.)
My fellow countrymen:
Early in the morning today at 1:47 a.m., Taiwan suffered a devastating earthquake of a 7.3 magnitude on the Richter scale, which caused serious loss of human life and great damage to both private property and public facilities. First of all, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of our deceased countrymen and my deepest concern for the injured.
It is the government's responsibility to take care of the people. In face of the destruction brought by this earthquake, our government will work vigorously and do our utmost to respond to the disaster. Tonight, the government will convene a high-level meeting to establish specific, effective measures for disaster rescue and relief in order to provide crucial support to the stricken citizens and to assist them to rebuild their homes as quickly as possible.
At this critical moment, I call on all hospitals and medical institutions in Taiwan to provide the best medical care for the victims of this disaster, so that they may recover soon.
I ask all the people of Taiwan to join the rescue mission by showing their compassion for others and contributing their talents or resources.
I would also like to express my most sincere gratitude to the military, the police, the fire fighters, the medical personnel, and other warm-hearted people who have participated in the rescue efforts since the earthquake.
On behalf of the people in Taiwan, I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the messages of sympathy from our foreign friends.
Lastly, I would like to again express my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Thank you.