Hualien: Nine people have been freed from a twisting cave in the mountains of eastern Taiwan, and two others are trapped but feared dead, as rescuers continue to search for those still missing after the island’s biggest earthquake in 25 years.
The death toll from Wednesday’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake remains at 10, but the government of the worst-hit Hualien county said there were no “signs of life” although two more people may have been killed on a pedestrian street. should not be immediately checked.
As of Friday, hundreds of people are still stranded around the mountains on the side of the district, with roads closed due to landslides and rocks. However, rescue helicopters, drones, and smaller teams with dogs have been known to be safe to deploy.
The provincial government said rescuers found nine people alive in a cave popular with tourists known as the Tunnel of Nine Turns.
In the main city of Hualien, workers began dismantling the Uranus building, which was tilted at a 45-degree angle from the bottom half of the first floor – using pink cranes to break glass windows.
Hsu Chen-wei, head of Hualien County, said the building had been worn out since it was built in 1986.
“We hope to finish the demolition in two weeks so that the people of Hualien can return to their normal lives. We hope that everyone will not panic,” said Hsu.
Before the harvest begins, workers and workers hold a small ceremony, burning sticks and offering flowers, drinks, and fruits to pray for the success of the operation.
Next to Uranus, a digital sign on another building reads: “Do Not Exit! Add Hualien Oil!” – using Chinese support.
The National Disaster Management Agency reported 10 deaths and 1,106 injuries.
More than 700 people were trapped but registered, while the authorities lost contact with 18.
Taiwan rescuers free nine from cave after quake
