The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday conveyed sincere condolences from the government and people of Taiwan to New Zealand after Cyclone Gabrielle lashed the country's North Island, leaving a trail of destruction across large parts of the country.
New Zealand's government on Tuesday declared a national state of emergency as the cyclone swept across the country's north, causing flooding, landslides and huge ocean swells.
The storm also forced the suspension of domestic and international flights to and from Auckland Airport.
MOFA said that under the direction of Minister Joseph Wu (???), the ministry's Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs contacted Renee Bates, deputy director of the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office, Taipei (NZCIO), to convey condolences on behalf of the people and the government of Taiwan.
It also expressed willingness to offer humanitarian assistance to the people of New Zealand affected by the disaster.
In response, NZCIO expressed gratitude to Taiwan's government for the condolences extended after the storm, according to the statement.
MOFA said that according to Taiwan's representative office in New Zealand, no Taiwanese citizens or business people were reported as trapped, injured or killed during the massive storm.
MOFA will maintain close contact with Taiwan's representative offices in Wellington and Auckland and the relevant New Zealand government agencies, to keep an eye on the disaster situation and provide assistance if needed, according to the statement.
MOFA reminds Taiwan nationals that if they encounter an emergency in New Zealand and need assistance, they should call the emergency contact phone number of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand: +64-27-449-5300; the emergency contact number of TECO in Auckland: +64-27 -271-2700; or ask relatives and friends in Taiwan to call MOFA's Emergency Contact Center: 0800-085-095.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel