On Monday, Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, experienced tremors from aftershocks following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the eastern part of the island last week. This earthquake, the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people and injured more than 1,145 individuals. The quake, which occurred during the morning rush hour, prompted tsunami warnings and has been followed by hundreds of aftershocks, with over 600 people reportedly still stranded due to landslides, rockfalls, and subsequent tremors.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts being hampered by the challenging conditions, including the risks of further landslides and rockfalls, particularly as rain continues. As of Monday, six people remain missing, including a Singaporean couple with Australian citizenship, Neo Siew Choo and Sim Hwee Kok. They were last seen near the Shakadang trail in the mountainous Taroko National Park, a popular hiking spot, just before the earthquake struck.

Search and rescue teams, along with authorities, are intensifying their efforts to locate the missing individuals, focusing on the national park and affected areas. Despite the extensive damage and continuing threats of aftershocks and landslides, particularly with heavy rain forecasted, the rescue operations are pressing on. CCTV footage analysis and on-ground searches are being conducted in hopes of finding those still missing.

The catastrophe has tested the resolve of rescue teams as they navigate through the perilous conditions to assist those in need. Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operations Center continues to oversee the search and rescue operations, faced with the significant challenge of ensuring the safety and recovery of affected individuals in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.