Hualien University Struggles To Draw Students After Earthquake and Fire
National Dong Hwa University in Hualien County suffered major damage and a chemical fire after April's 7.2-magnitude earthquake. Six months later, as the school year begins, the school has struggled to fill its enrolment goals.
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It’s been six months since a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake devastated parts of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan, including one of the region’s largest academic institutions, National Donghwa University (NDHU). The damage was severe, and although the university has taken steps to repair and rebuild, it faces ongoing challenges—both physical and psychological—that have affected its student enrollment.
A Campus Scarred by the Earthquake
Located near the epicenter, National Donghwa University was among the hardest-hit institutions when the earthquake struck Hualien on April 3, 2024. One of its primary science buildings, which housed the physics and chemistry departments, was particularly damaged. Hours after the earthquake, a fire broke out in a chemistry laboratory, which quickly spread, destroying the entire wing. The wing is now marked for demolition, as the building is potentially hazardous.
Physics professor Kuo Yung-kang, who has worked at NDHU for over 26 years, was deeply affected by the destruction of his research lab. Standing in the debris, Kuo’s voice cracks with emotion as he reflects on the lab he had meticulously maintained over the decades. "Heartbroken," he says, struggling to hold back tears. "This lab was my life’s work, and now it's destroyed."
Despite the visible damage, Kuo reassures that the university itself remains safe. "The building is stable as long as the support pillars hold," he points out, showing areas where engineers have confirmed the structural integrity.
Repairs and Government Support
In the wake of the earthquake, the central government has stepped in with financial assistance to repair the damaged buildings, including upgrading the university’s chemistry and physics departments as they are rebuilt with earthquake-resistant laboratories. However, the recovery process will take 3-5 years.
Moreover, there are concerns beyond the physical damage. The university is currently struggling with lower student enrollment, as many prospective students are wary of returning to a region that is known for its vulnerability to earthquakes and typhoons.
Enrollment Challenges: Fear of Aftershocks
Although the university is operational and offers a safe learning environment, enrollment numbers tell a different story. NDHU is currently 97 students short of a full freshman class, a significant increase from the mere 7 students shortfall the previous year. University President Hsu Hui-Mi has expressed deep concern over the drop in enrollment, acknowledging the emotional toll the earthquake has taken on students and their families.
"It's painful," says Hsu, reflecting on the shortfall. "We're not just talking about numbers; we’re talking about the future of our students and their education." Hsu also emphasized the university's safety, pointing to the fact that none of the 10,000 students present during the quake were injured. "This is not a miracle," he says, "This is a fact."
While the university's efforts to restore normalcy are underway, many students continue to express anxiety about potential aftershocks. "The physical safety is guaranteed," says one student, "but the mental toll of living with the constant fear of another earthquake is something we can’t ignore."
Psychological Toll: Mental Health Concerns
This fear of future earthquakes is taking a toll on the mental well-being of both students and staff. "Mental health is the real issue," says Chiou Hong-wei, the vice president of the student association. "While the buildings are safe, many of us are still anxious about when the next quake could strike." This unease has caused some students to consider transferring to other universities, although few have made that move yet.
The emotional impact of the earthquake has affected the student body in ways that go beyond physical damage. For many, the trauma of living through such a disaster has triggered a sense of vulnerability, exacerbated by the uncertainty of living in a region prone to natural disasters. However, most students seem determined to remain at NDHU. "I want to stay here," says a student leader. "The relationships I’ve built with my teachers and friends are more important than the earthquake."
Moving Forward: A Path to Recovery
Despite the ongoing challenges, there is a sense of resilience on the campus. Students and faculty alike are hopeful that NDHU will recover and emerge stronger in the years to come. Professor Kuo, though deeply saddened by the loss of his lab, has no plans of leaving. "This is a beautiful university, and the people here are friendly and supportive," he says. "Leaving is not an option."
While repairs are expected to continue for several more years, the community at National Donghwa University remains steadfast. "We will overcome this," affirms President Hsu. "This university is a safe and proud community. We will show future students that they can trust us and that the beauty and spirit of this place remain intact."
For now, those who remain at NDHU are focusing on the campus’s recovery, holding onto the hope that in time, the scars left by the earthquake will heal, both physically and emotionally.
