Taiwan rescuers Races Against Time to Rescue Trapped Miners and Tourists After Devastating Earthquake
Emergency response units in Taiwan have been tirelessly working through the night to rescue over a hundred miners, hotel staff, and tourists who are still trapped under rubble and debris more than a day after the island was struck by its most powerful earthquake in 25 years.
The 7.4-magnitude quake, which occurred on Wednesday, caused significant damage primarily near the epicenter on Taiwan’s eastern side.
Rescue efforts have been concentrated on locating and rescuing individuals missing or trapped in the mountainous terrain surrounding greater Hualien, an area that encompasses a popular national park and Taiwan’s cement mines.
Rescue teams are striving to clear blocked roads and collapsed tunnels by 8:00 p.m. local time on Thursday to facilitate swift rescue operations.
The government has confirmed that nine people lost their lives in the quake, while the number of individuals trapped has risen to 101 overnight.
Among those trapped are approximately 64 miners and numerous staff members from a five-star hotel situated in the mountains.
Although the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, Taiwan’s high-tech economy has begun its recovery process, with the semiconductor industry resuming most operations that were paused when the earthquake struck. Employees were temporarily evacuated for safety.
Stringent building codes and regulations, revised after a devastating earthquake in 1999 that claimed more than 2,400 lives, have played a crucial role in limiting damage and casualties this time.
Despite the outpouring of concern and offers of aid from several world leaders, tensions with China remain palpable. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council rejected Beijing’s offer of assistance, underscoring the ongoing political tensions between the two entities, as China considers Taiwan a part of its territory.
