Rescuers in Taiwan are working to recover two bodies buried under boulders on a hiking trail in Taroko National Park three days after the country’s strongest earthquake in 25 years. The Shakadang Trail has seen a total of six people missing, with four still unaccounted for as search and recovery operations resume following a brief halt due to aftershocks.
The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck off Taiwan’s east coast has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, with 10 more still missing. Over 600 individuals, including 450 at a local hotel, are stranded in various locations due to rockslides and other damage caused by the quake. Survivors have shared their traumatic experiences of being trapped by falling rocks until rescue teams were able to free them.
In the city of Hualien, a building leaning dangerously over a street is being carefully dismantled to prevent any further dangers. The relatively low number of casualties from this powerful earthquake has been credited to Taiwan’s strict construction standards and widespread public education initiatives on seismic preparedness. In comparison, the 1999 earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 resulted in the deaths of 2,400 people, highlighting the progress made to mitigate earthquake-related risks over the years.
On the Shakadang Trail, a family of five is among the casualties, with the bodies of a man and a woman discovered on Friday but yet to be identified. Additionally, two Singaporeans are reported missing in Taiwan following the earthquake. The Singapore Trade Office in Taipei is actively coordinating with local authorities to gather information and provide assistance in locating the missing individuals.
As the rescue and recovery efforts continue in Taiwan, the focus remains on safely retrieving those trapped and providing support to those affected by the earthquake. The community at large is rallying around those impacted, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. With the support of local and international agencies, authorities are working diligently to address the aftermath of the earthquake and ensure the safety and well-being of all affected individuals.
