On April 3, Hualien experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, resulting in a severe fire in D part of the Science & Engineering Building I, NDHU.

The Office of General Affairs preliminarily confirmed that the fire triggered by the earthquake led to the destruction of the D part of the Science & Engineering Building I, with slight damage to the surrounding A and C part of the buildings. Departments of Chemistry, Physics, and Materials Science are affected severely.

The approximate estimate of financial losses by the university exceeds NT$400 million, and the losses of various samples and research results are incalculable.

Concerns About Toxic Gas Leakage - Monitoring readings are normal.

A joint monitoring team composed of experts from the Hualien Environmental Protection Bureau and private sectors continuously monitored air quality 30 meters downwind from the accident site. The concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) were reported to be 11 and 1 ppm respectively, within the normal range. (Source: Report from the Chemical Administration, Ministry of Environment)

The air quality poses no immediate threat to health, although there is a slightly pungent odor near the area. The university advises students and staff in the vicinity to wear masks, and those experiencing discomfort should seek medical assistance.

The Student Association calls on students to follow the disaster prevention and response instructions of the fire department and the school.
Don’t panic, and don’t believe in or spread wrong information.

Lack of Equipment Issue - President: Immediate Collaboration with Other Universities

The president stated that the fire-affected area included laboratories and Professor’s offices. Addressing the lack of experimental equipment among faculty and students, the university will immediately contact other universities such as the Taiwan Education University system and the Pan-Pacific University League for inter-school assistance. Collaboration with institutions like Tzu Chi University, National Yilan University, and National Taitung University are sought to devise placement plans for affected students to ensure continuity in research and teaching. As for professor’s offices, the College of Science and Engineering will manage space allocation, with full administrative support from the university’s executive team.

In addition to emergency measures, the president and the Student Association has expressed an urgent need to survey officials for reconstruction funds and equipment replacement. The Minister of Education has replied that the matter has been entrusted to the Department of Higher Education for assistance. Vice President-elect expressed on-site that besides the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has been tasked with coordinating resources from private enterprises to assist National Dong Hwa University.

Impact on Graduate Students experimental Schedules - The student Association would continue to communicate

Regarding the issues concerning graduate students, National Science and Technology Council projects and the graduation schedules, the College of Science and Engineering and respective departments will promptly convene meetings. As administrative personnel are on holiday, students are requested to await announcements from their departments.

In front of Natural Disasters, We Are All Together!

The earthquake on April 3rd brought severe disaster to the Hualien area. In addition to National Dong Hwa University, many roads and houses in Hualien suffered damage, and precious lives were lost.

The Student Association expresses gratitude to all agencies supporting National Dong Hwa University, especially the Fire Department and Environmental Protection Department, and appreciates all university staff who sacrificed their holidays to work tirelessly.

The Student Association urges everyone to take the initiative to care for people besides you and refrain from spreading misinformation. Let us take care of each other and overcome difficulties together in this challenging time for National Dong Hwa University.