TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s military worked with Taiwan Water Company (TWC) to repair water supplies, following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit on Wednesday (April 3).
According to a press release by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the quake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday caused water outages to more than 120,000 households across Taiwan. Additionally, the Suhua Highway on the east was closed due to debris covering several sections.
In response, the Taiwan Army’s Second Combat Zone, which operates in eastern Taiwan, stepped in to assist, per CNA. The Second Combat Zone said Saturday (April 7) that troops helped the TWC engineering vehicles by transporting them via rail.
The Second Combat Zone added, according to the requirements of the local government, tasks such as establishing forward command posts, waste removal, and personnel evacuation, are being carried out. Troops are also helping set up construction lighting and temporary shower stations, it said.
The MOEA reported that 238 leaks points across Taiwan have been repaired, accounting for 84% of pipe damage cases. Ten temporary water supply stations remain operational in the Hualien area and will be removed once the water supply is stable, it added.
The MOEA also said that the combined efforts of the government and military have allowed for the quick restoration of water to households and thanked the public for their understanding as repairs are still underway.