7-4-2024 (TAIPEI) Singaporean authorities have announced a significant development in the search for two citizens who went missing following the devastating magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday. Rescuers on the ground have narrowed down the search perimeter, providing a glimmer of hope in the midst of the ongoing relief efforts.
In a statement released on Sunday, Taiwan’s emergency response unit revealed that CCTV footage from a shuttle bus has shed light on the last known whereabouts of the missing Singaporean couple. Authorities identified the pair as Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo, based on information from a Facebook group dedicated to the Hualien Earthquake Relief Information.
According to the footage, the couple alighted at the Shakadang trail in Hualien’s Taroko National Park at approximately 7.20 am on Wednesday, a mere 40 minutes before the powerful quake struck. This crucial piece of evidence has allowed rescuers to calculate their potential hiking path and narrow down the search area.
“We are searching the perimeter of that trail,” said search Commander Lin Youchang, underscoring the targeted efforts underway to locate the missing Singaporeans.
The search and rescue operations have been a collaborative effort, involving various ground teams, including drone units from Türkiye, as the authorities leave no stone unturned in their quest to find survivors.
Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo are among at least 10 people still unaccounted for in the aftermath of the devastating quake, which has claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals and left more than 1,100 others injured.
The situation remains critical, with hundreds stranded at Taroko National Park, famed for its rugged mountainous terrain. Landslides have blocked tunnels and cut off road access, hampering rescue efforts. Authorities are working tirelessly to airlift people to safety, although their efforts have been hindered by persistent aftershocks, with Hualien experiencing more than 600 tremors since the initial quake.
The Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed on Thursday that eight Singaporeans were among 71 foreigners rescued after being trapped in Hualien. Two of them sustained light injuries, and the ministry has been in close contact with all e-registered Singaporeans in the affected regions.
“Our Trade Office in Taipei continues to be in close touch with the Taiwanese authorities as rescue and relief efforts continue,” the MFA stated, expressing appreciation for the swift assistance and support extended by the Taiwanese authorities.
