Two Indians, who went missing after Taiwan earthquake, safe: MEA

Soon after Taiwan witnessed the strongest quake since 1999, the Indian Taipei Association set up an emergency helpline for Indians in Taiwan and asked Indians to follow the instructions of the local authorities.

#WATCH | On two Indian nationals who were reported missing in Taiwan earthquake, MEA spox says, “We have been now able to get in touch with the two people with whom earlier we could not establish contact. They are safe.” pic.twitter.com/vzRQOtBh4m

— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2024

Meanwhile, rescuers continued searches among debris on Thursday as dozens of people are still missing, while the toll climbed to 10 and injuries to over 1,000. The quake and its aftershocks caused landslides and damaged roads, bridges and tunnels. The national legislature and sections of Taipei’s main airport suffered minor damages.

Of the 10 dead, at least four were killed inside Taroko National Park, a Hualien county tourist attraction famous for canyons and cliffs about 150 kilometers (90 miles) from Taipei. One person was found dead in a damaged building and another was found in the Ho Ren Quarry. Authorities on Thursday afternoon retrieved a body from a trail.

About 700 people were either still missing or stranded on Thursday, including over 600 who were stranded inside a hotel called Silks Place Taroko, the National Fire Agency said. Authorities said the employees and guests were safe and had food and water, and that work to repair the roads to the hotel was close to completion.

Others who were reported to be stranded, including two dozen tourists, about 20 campers and six university students, were also safe, they said.

Authorities also said about 60 workers who had been unable to leave a quarry because of blocked and damaged roads were freed. Central News Agency said all were able to leave the mountain safely around noon. Six workers from another quarry were airlifted out.

Authorities have not been able to contact about 40 people, mostly hotel employees earlier reported to be in the national park.

With inputs from agencies