In times of hardship or when Mother Nature strikes with the unusual, people do get together. We saw this happen after Typhoon Morakot hit Taiwan Aug 7 - 9, unleashing 3,000 millimeters of rainfall (more than the annual average for that area) in the southern part of Taiwan.

Ten years ago, after the 921 Earthquake struck central Taiwan, we saw the same thing happen. That time a two-minute long earthquake turned parts of Taichung and Nantou counties into a war zone. The disaster was a fact.

Within hours the community came together to help each other. People with different background, rich - poor, young - old, organizations - individuals, government - non government organizations, locals - foreigners, got together and helped in any way they could. Taiwan managed to show its vitality and ability to work together and overcome the disaster. Everyone worked for one goal - to help the victims to rebuild what had been destroyed and to make sure people in need are well taken care of. It is remarkable to note how these two disasters have brought out the best in so many people. The unselfishness and urge to help others have been demonstrated in so many different ways.

People are getting more united and are able to show a stronger bonding in times like these.

Taiwan is situated on the convergent boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Plate and thus in a very seismically active area, and is also situated in the typhoon belt.

On October ten Taiwan celebrates The Double Ten Holiday. It is the 98th anniversary after the founding of the Republic of China. This year the celebrations will be subdued due to the aftermath of the Typhoon Morakot.

Nevertheless, the admiration of the visitors and foreigners living on the island alike for the resilience and resourcefulness that is so admirably demonstrated in times like these of the people of Taiwan is stronger than ever. We wish you all the best!