“Taiwan Earthquake Update: Death Toll Rises, Search and Rescue Efforts Intensify”
The casualty count from the potent 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday rose to 10 individuals by Thursday, according to Taiwanese authorities, with numerous others still unaccounted for.
Taiwan
Officials reported that at least 38 individuals were missing, with approximately 660 people trapped beneath debris as of the 4:30 p.m. update.
The earthquake, registering at 7.4 magnitude, occurred just before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, originating near Hualien, a city situated on the eastern coastline. Over 100 aftershocks, including one measuring a preliminary magnitude of 6.5, have rattled the island, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Among those trapped were 611 individuals discovered stranded in the mountainous vicinity near the Silks Place Taroko hotel and Tien Hsiang Youth Activity Center.
An emergency helicopter landed nearby, authorities reported.
Rescue teams have successfully reached seven of the missing individuals at the hotel, including one individual who appeared to have sustained leg injuries, as stated by Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang in a social media update.
Aerial surveillance identified others trapped in a minibus on Taiwan Highway 8, a crucial route traversing the region.
“We are currently liaising with the Meteorological Agency to obtain the latest weather forecast to determine if conditions permit aircrew to transport necessary personnel and supplies to the Tianxiang area,” Lin remarked. “Given favorable weather conditions, we are committed to utilizing every available moment to rescue those trapped and in dire need of assistance.”
