Rescuers in Taiwan are braving hazardous conditions to search for a dozen people still missing following the recent earthquake, with the death toll now at 12. The quake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck the sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien earlier this week, triggering landslides and rockfalls that blocked roads and stranded hundreds in Taroko Gorge national park.
Amidst ongoing aftershocks—some felt as far as Taipei—rescue efforts are hampered by the unpredictable risk of further rockfalls and landslides, especially with rain exacerbating the conditions. Su Yu-ming, leading one of the search teams, emphasized the challenge of these natural hazards, noting the uncertainty around how long operations might take.
The fire department confirmed the discovery of two more bodies in the mountains, although they have not updated the official death toll. Meanwhile, the number of missing individuals stands at 18, with recent clarification removing an Indian national from the list.
In a dramatic rescue, approximately 400 people trapped in a luxury hotel within the national park have been secured, with helicopters evacuating the injured and delivering essential supplies. One survivor, David Chen, a security manager at the hotel, expressed relief after navigating through falling rocks during the ordeal. His 85-year-old mother tearfully embraced him upon reunion, having feared for his safety.
The earthquake, occurring just before a long weekend holiday for the traditional tomb sweeping festival, has severely impacted local businesses that rely on tourism. Aga Syu, a hostel owner, highlighted the economic toll, as cancellations have soared, and businesses face uncertain prospects.
Taiwan's vulnerability to seismic activity is well-known, situated near the intersection of tectonic plates. Previous devastating earthquakes in 2016 and 1999 serve as stark reminders of the country's susceptibility to such natural disasters.
As the search for survivors continues amid challenging conditions, the nation remains united in support of those affected by this latest seismic event, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.