A concert will be held at 1:47am tomorrow in the square in front of the library of National Chung Hsing University in Taichung in memory of the victims of the 7.3-magnitude quake that struck the country 10 years ago.
The earthquake on Sept. 21, 1999, claimed 2,444 lives and injured 11,305, according to government statistics. More than 51,000 homes collapsed and 53,768 were severely damaged. In Taichung and Nantou counties alone, 2,113 lives were lost.
Cellist Chang Chen-chieh (張正傑) will lead the National Chung Hsing University faculty in praying for Taiwan.
Chang traveled to the devastated region of Puli (埔里) in Nantou County a few days after the strong temblor hit.
A foundation yesterday began a three-day service to pray for peace and happiness in the 921 memorial park in Chunghsing New Village.
Chang Chun-hung (張俊宏), a former legislator who now heads an urban and rural transformation foundation, said the service aimed not only to offer comfort to the people of Nantou but also to express public concern over the environment.
In Taipei, two earthquake rescue drills were held at the Taipei Public Library and Children's Recreation Center in Shilin (士林) yesterday morning as part of a series of activities to commemorate the 921 Earthquake, with staffers at Taipei City's Fire Department demonstrating rescue procedures.
A disaster prevention education fair was held at Daan Park and Shilin Residence in the afternoon, with dozens of booths showcasing rescue equipment, disaster prevention promotion videos and video clips of the 921 Earthquake.
Firefighters were also at the fair to teach participants self-help skills if an earthquake strikes.
An overnight disaster prevention drill was held from 7pm yesterday to 9am today at the same locations, featuring a memorial concert and a drill on victim rescue and evacuation.
Chou Chong-chi (周鍾驥), a division chief at the department, said that the 921 Earthquake was the most serious natural disaster to hit the country in the past 10 years, and the activities were held to remind the public and help them be more prepared if disaster strikes.
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