Taiwan donates US$100,000 to flood-hit Argentine city

Buenos Aires, March 14 (CNA) Taiwan on Friday donated US$100,000 to the Argentine city of Bahía Blanca to support the flood relief efforts there.

The donation was made at Taiwan's representative office in Argentina during a ceremony attended by Rosana Vecchi, an official with the city's urban planning agency, as well as various local lawmakers and Taiwanese expatriates.

Florencia Miao-hung Hsie (謝妙宏), Taiwan's top envoy to Argentina, said the donation was an emergency aid to Bahía Blanca, a city in Buenos Aires Province.

It is hoped that the fund will be put to good use with immediate effect to assist the city with its reconstruction efforts, Hsie said, as she urged more people to take part in supporting the cause.

Bahía Blanca has been hit by various natural disasters in recent years, including fierce winds and hailstorms, Vecchi said during the event.

The recent flash floods further revealed the shortcomings of the city's urban planning and construction rules, she said, citing for example that the damaging of power facilities highlighted the deficiencies in basic infrastructure.

But despite those challenges, Bahía Blanca residents have demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity, and with the support of both domestic and international communities, people have come together to assist with the reconstruction efforts and they are especially appreciative of Taiwan's help, the official said.

Meanwhile, Argentine lawmaker Marcela Campagnoli also thanked Taiwan for its donation, praising the country for having supported Argentina many times in the past, most notably in the fields of social welfare.