Taiwan earthquake: Missing couple in Singapore still missing - ExBulletin

Source: ExBulletin

SINGAPORE: Nearly two weeks after the devastating earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3, Singaporean citizens Sim Hui Kwok and Niu Siu Chu are the only people still missing, as aftershocks forced search teams to halt work over the weekend. .

Another body, that of a driver, was found on Saturday (April 13) along Chakadang Road in eastern Hualien County, bringing the death toll from the 7.2-magnitude quake to 17.

The Singaporean couple is believed to have disappeared along this route, according to Taiwan's National Fire Agency. They were last seen getting off a shuttle bus at Chakadang Trail at around 7.20am on April 3, about 40 minutes before the quake struck.

In agreement with the couple's family members - three of whom arrived in Taiwan more than a week ago - the search was suspended on Sunday due to the risk of aftershocks, landslides and falling rocks. The city of Hualien, near the epicenter of the earthquake, was subjected to more than 800 aftershocks.

Family members expressed their gratitude to search and rescue personnel through the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, and said they hoped search efforts would be resumed in time, with safety in mind.

The family members added: "We hope that Hualien can be rebuilt as soon as possible so that more people can experience the beauty of Hualien and feel the warmth of the people in Hualien."

The Hualien District Fire Protection Bureau said search and rescue efforts would resume once the dangers subsided.

Taiwanese media also reported that a monk led prayers at the entrance to the road, with family members in attendance.

Eight other Singaporeans were among 71 foreigners rescued after becoming trapped in Hualien. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on 5 April that two Singaporeans suffered minor injuries.

The earthquake is the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan since a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the island in 1999. About 2,400 people died in this earthquake, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history.

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