Basseterre, St. Kitts — Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, on behalf of the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, extended sympathy to the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) after Typhoon Soudelor pummeled that country over the weekend leaving at least 5 people dead, including an 8-year old girl and her mother, and a trail of destruction across the south-east Asian nation.
“The Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis empathize with your Government and people having endured strong wind and torrential rain from Typhoon Soudelor which battered Taiwan on Saturday”, Prime Minister Harris wrote in a letter to the President of Taiwan, His Excellency Ma Ying-jeou. “Further, I am indeed saddened to learn of the fatalities and will keep the families affected in our constant prayers.”
The storm packed winds in excess of 230km/h (142mph) when it made landfall on Saturday. It ripped up trees, triggered landslides, knocked out power to almost 2 million homes and caused widespread flooding as towering waves hit coastal areas.
“We know only too well, even now as we too prepare for our annual hurricane season, the resultant devastation of such natural calamities and we stand in solidarity with you at this very trying time”, said Dr. Harris.
The Prime Minister emphasized the strong relations between our two countries and acknowledged the resilience of the people of Taiwan that will see them through this latest challenge. “St. Kitts and Nevis and your beloved country have long enjoyed excellent relations. We know the resilience of your people and trust that all will return to a state of normalcy in short time.”