In the past few days, some train passengers have found themselves sharing carriages with groups of volunteers, shovels and disaster-relief kits in hand, bound for Hualien’s Guangfu Township (光復).
Dubbed the “shovel superheroes,” their quiet strength has moved many. To support their efforts, Taiwan Railway Corp announced that it has scheduled 10 extra trains during the Teachers’ Day long weekend, making it easier for volunteers to reach the disaster zone.
In Guangfu, the volunteers have an unspoken agreement. The strongest clear away silt and mud, while others distribute food to residents. They might not know one another, but they roll up their sleeves and work side by side nonetheless, united in their shared project. The volunteers go wherever they are needed — it is all hands on deck to help victims rebuild their homes as soon as possible.
This is not the first scene of its kind for Taiwan. After Typhoon Morakot in 2009 and the subsequent Eight-Eight Floods (八 八水災), southern Taiwan experienced devastating losses. In the aftermath, countless young people, organized groups and corporate workers traveled to the disaster zone as volunteers. Some helped dig the mud and silt from people’s homes, while others worked on repairing damaged school buildings and restoring affected farmlands.
In the same way in Guangfu Township, people from different backgrounds came together to help and offer hope to towns and homes so badly affected. Today’s “shovel superheroes” in Hualien are a continuation of their strength.
After the 2018 Hualien earthquake, large numbers of people organized to deliver aid however they could. Although they were not professional rescue workers, they were still willing to step up to help. This spirit of self-mobilization, foundational to Taiwanese society, is incredibly precious.
Disasters like these enable us to see the strength in the people of Taiwan. People selflessly contribute to protect our homeland. Providing relief and rebuilding is what matters, regardless of their political stances.
This courage and unity is the nation’s biggest strength — it gives us faith that no matter the storm, Taiwan would stand again to face it in solidarity and with kindness.
Dino Wei is an engineer.
Translated by Gilda Knox Streader
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