10-4-2024 (TAIPEI) The death toll from the massive 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan last week has risen to 16 after three more bodies were discovered on a hiking trail, officials announced on Wednesday (Apr 10).
The powerful quake, which hit the island on Apr 3, had already left more than 1,100 people injured. However, strict building codes and widespread disaster preparedness are credited with averting an even greater catastrophe.
Authorities made the grim discovery of the three victims on Wednesday as they worked tirelessly to retrieve two other bodies buried under the rocks along the Shakadang Trail in eastern Taiwan’s Hualien county, the quake’s epicenter.
The new fatalities brought the official death toll from the quake to 16, according to the National Fire Agency.
Tragically, three people remain missing along the Shakadang Trail, including two Singaporeans, the agency confirmed.
The missing Singaporeans, identified as Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo, were last seen at a bus station in Hualien, preparing to board a shuttle bus heading to Taroko National Park. Taiwan’s immigration agency revealed that the missing pair are a married couple.
On Sunday, Taiwan’s rescuers narrowed the search perimeter in their relentless efforts to locate the missing individuals.
President Tsai Ing-wen visited Hualien on Wednesday to express her gratitude to the rescuers and pledge swift disaster relief for the quake-hit areas.
“Everyone has worked hard this past week, and thank you very much for your efforts,” Tsai said.
“The central government is fully committed and working closely with local governments to implement post-disaster recovery and revitalization plans at the fastest speed.”
Last Wednesday’s earthquake was the most severe to hit Taiwan since a 7.6-magnitude quake struck the island in 1999.
The death toll from that catastrophic quake reached a staggering 2,400, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the island’s history.
Stricter regulations and improved disaster preparedness appear to have staved off a more serious catastrophe this time around.
As the search and recovery efforts continue, the people of Taiwan remain resilient in the face of this devastating natural disaster, with authorities working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected.
