Rescuers are tirelessly working to locate dozens of individuals still unaccounted for following a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan. The natural disaster has tragically claimed the lives of at least 12 people and left over 1,000 individuals injured.
The earthquake hit the sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien, causing chaos and destruction. The rugged terrain and inclement weather have posed significant challenges to rescue efforts, with the risk of rockfalls and landslides remaining a constant threat.
Structural damage is widespread across the affected areas, with buildings tilting dangerously and posing a risk of collapse. Despite the devastation, signs of normalcy are beginning to emerge as some local services resume operations.
Efforts to stabilize damaged structures and evacuate residents from unsafe buildings are ongoing. The search for survivors is a top priority, with hundreds of individuals still missing or stranded in various locations.
The earthquake's impact extended beyond Taiwan, with tremors felt as far as Kinmen, an island under Taiwanese control. Aftershocks have been recorded, adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams.
Taiwan, located in the seismic-prone Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' has a history of earthquakes, with this recent event being one of the most significant since 1999. The resilience and determination of rescue workers and affected communities are evident as they come together to navigate through this crisis.
