Minister without Portfolio and Executive Yuan Spokesperson Hsu Kuo-yung on Tuesday announced that in memory of the victims of the February 6 earthquake in Hualien, flags across the nation would be flown at half-staff at central and local government offices as well as elementary, junior high and schools at all other levels on February 21, the first day of business following the extended Lunar New Year holiday.
The magnitude 6.0 quake dealt a heavy blow to the Hualien area as many were sleeping, collapsing buildings including the Marshal Hotel and leaving 17 dead and 285 injured.
The central and local governments will carry on with post-disaster recovery efforts in order to ensure that life in Hualien can be quickly returned to normal. Minister Hsu called on the people of Taiwan to take action in support of Hualien's tourism industry and overall economic recovery in the area.