After a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s mountainous east coast, rescuers are searching for 18 people still missing.
The earthquake, which occurred on Wednesday, claimed 10 lives and stranded hundreds in a national park due to blocked roads from falling boulders.
Taiwan’s fire department reported 18 people missing, including four foreigners. Additionally, six people are missing on a hiking trail, with a rescue team deployed to locate them.
Rescuers have ensured the safety of around 400 people stranded at a luxury hotel in Taroko Gorge national park, providing supplies and medical aid via helicopters.
Weather conditions, including the possibility of rain, pose challenges to ongoing search and rescue efforts, with concerns about rockfalls and landslides. The duration of these operations remains uncertain.
Despite numerous aftershocks, residents are gradually returning to safety. Many businesses in Hualien, a popular tourist destination, have suffered cancellations, impacting the local economy.
Taiwan, situated in a seismically active region, has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, emphasizing the need for preparedness and swift response to natural disasters.