Dwight Howard Prays for Countless More Victims as Death Toll Reaches 9 Amid Taiwan’s Preparation for Impending Crisis

Dwight Howard continued his professional basketball career internationally, including a phenomenal spree in Taiwan. He adores Taiwan because of that. But Taiwan is grappling with a natural disaster, leaving Howard very concerned. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday, the strongest in 25 years of the country’s history. As of this writing, the death toll has reached nine, and over 900 injuries have been reported. Immediately, Howard was on X, appealing for prayers and support for Taiwan and the people to rise from this natural disaster.

“Let’s take a moment to pray for the safety of everyone in Taiwan,” he wrote. “I can’t even imagine the fear and pain the families and people experiencing this disaster is going through but I want to encourage everyone to stay strong! It is devastating to have a disaster of this magnitude happen with little to no warning and that’s why we need to help each other get through this! Taiwan we are here for you…”

His emotions were palpable as he requested his followers to do whatever they could to ease the suffering. He concluded, “Please everyone let us pray and send our deepest condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones or been affected by this earthquake. This cannot be ignored I love you Taiwan … #prayfortaiwan.“

Massive aftershocks followed the quake, including a 6.5 tremor. Tsunami warnings were issued in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines but later called off. The epicenter is in Hualien County in Taiwan. It has a population of 300,000. In addition to the extensive damage from collapsing buildings, multiple individuals remain trapped in a tunnel in Hualien. The situation is ongoing, and more updates are coming in. Howard and many others hope the crisis abates so the focus can shift to rescue and relief.

Dwight Howard’s connection to Taiwan

For Howard, who last played for the Lakers in 2022, Taiwan was the stage of his career’s second act. Almost immediately after his NBA career fizzled out, he signed with the Taoyuan Leopards in the T1 League in 2022. When his injuries didn’t hamper him, he was elevating the T1 league in the international basketball scene.

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He was the Taiwanese league’s All-Star in 2023 and was named the All-Star MVP for scoring 37 points. He accomplished a lot more before the 2023 season ended. While speculation about his NBA return was rife, he invited other NBA veterans to Taiwan and hyped DeMarcus Cousins for a T1 stint. He even wanted Cade Cuningham to leave the Pistons for the T1 League.

D-Howard is far from done. He’s now in the Puerto Rican league, Baloncesto Superior Nacional, after signing with the Mets de Guaynabo on March 1, 2024. Though he’s now in Puerto Rico, Taiwan remains close to him and hopes they overcome this situation.

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