TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) announced on Thursday (Jan. 16) a US$500,000 donation to aid Southern California's wildfire relief efforts. The devastating wildfires have claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed over 12,300 structures, and forced nearly 90,000 people to evacuate, with estimated losses reaching US$150 billion.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation will receive the funds to acquire professional firefighting equipment. The ministry emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (駐洛杉磯臺北經濟文化辦事處) and charitable organizations like the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation (慈濟) and Fo Guang Shan (佛光山), which have donated tens of thousands of N95 masks to rescue personnel and evacuees.
Moreover, many overseas community groups have also initiated fundraising efforts, collecting supplies, and offering free accommodation as acts of goodwill. Taiwan has maintained a strong relationship with the U.S., celebrating a 41-year sister-state partnership with California. This humanitarian gesture reflects Taiwan's commitment to supporting disaster relief efforts in Southern California. The ministry expressed hope that these contributions will facilitate the ongoing rescue operations.