TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two Ukrainians and a Japanese resident have joined efforts to clear mud and debris left by flooding in Hualien County’s Guangfu Township.
Guangfu Township was recently hit hard when the Mataian Creek barrier lake overflowed, leaving streets covered in mud, per CNA. Volunteers from across Taiwan joined the cleanup, and the presence of international volunteers highlighted cross-border solidarity and support.
The Hualien County Government said the foreign volunteers include two young Ukrainian women who have lived in Taiwan for nine years, currently residing in Taoyuan. They had planned a trip to Hualien a month ago but changed their plans after seeing the disaster.
On Saturday, one Ukrainian told CNA that from Hualien Train Station onward, they saw many people heading to the disaster site carrying tools and wearing rain boots. Taiwan Railways even added extra trains to transport relief personnel, demonstrating a strong spirit of togetherness.
The other noted that volunteers came from all over Taiwan to help. “Yesterday, rain boots were sold out in Hualien,” she said.
They expressed hope that the township could return to normal quickly so residents could safely return home.
Saito Tadataka, a Japanese man living in Taiwan, posted on Facebook that he had struggled internally for the past three days. Hualien had given him many friends and experiences, prompting him to reflect on what he could do to help.
He feared going to Hualien might cause trouble. However, seeing online that many “Shovel Supermen” had already arrived, he realized the right thing was to take direct action.
