6-4-2024 (TAIPEI) Taiwanese authorities are currently in contact with the families of two Singaporeans who have gone missing following Wednesday’s devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake near Hualien.
The missing individuals have been identified as Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo, a married couple, as reported by a Facebook group named Hualien Earthquake Relief Information.
Sunny Sandro Wang, the group’s administrator, revealed on Saturday (Apr 6) that he successfully reached out to the man’s sister. Additionally, Wang appealed for any available information regarding the whereabouts of the couple.
“If you ever see them somewhere, please let us know when and where as soon as possible,” Wang urged, accompanying the request with a photo of the husband and wife.
According to Taiwan’s Emergency Response Unit, the couple was last seen boarding a tourist shuttle bus at approximately 6:30 am on Wednesday, merely two hours prior to the earthquake’s occurrence. Although the bus was en route to Taroko National Park, the couple disembarked before reaching the terminal station.
Efforts are underway to contact the bus driver in order to determine the exact location where they alighted, thereby facilitating a more targeted search.
In the wake of the quake, hundreds of individuals remain stranded at Taroko National Park due to landslides that have obstructed tunnels and severed road access. Rescue operations are ongoing, albeit hindered by aftershocks.
The Singaporean couple is among the 10 individuals still unaccounted for following the quake, which stands as the strongest to hit Taiwan in a quarter-century. Tragically, the disaster has claimed at least 12 lives.
Hualien continues to grapple with over 300 aftershocks, including one registering a magnitude of 5.2 on Saturday morning.
While it was reported on Thursday that eight Singaporeans were among the 71 foreigners rescued from Hualien, two individuals sustained minor injuries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) affirmed on Friday that all e-registered Singaporeans in the affected regions have been contacted.
“Our Trade Office in Taipei continues to be in close touch with the Taiwanese authorities as rescue and relief efforts continue,” stated MFA.
“We express our appreciation to the Taiwanese authorities for the quick assistance and support they have extended.”
