Eight Singaporeans among 71 foreigners rescued in quake-hit Taiwan

SINGAPORE: Eight Singaporeans were among 71 foreigners rescued after they were trapped in earthquake-hit Hualien – the epicentre of Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years, the island's authorities said on Thursday (Apr 4).

The 7.2-magnitude earthquake killed 10 people and left more than 1,000 injured.

Of the 71 foreigners rescued, six people are from the UK, seven are from the US and 25 are from Germany, said Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A Canadian and two Australians were still missing as of 4.30pm local time, the ministry added.

Dozens of missing vacationers and workers arrived at a temporary medical station on Thursday after being rescued, Reuters reported.

On arrival, the more than 30 rescued people underwent a basic medical check-up to assess a potential need for hospitalisation.

"The night was a terrible, terrible ordeal with aftershocks and tremors and rocks falling every few minutes," Namrita, 39, who was visiting Taiwan from Singapore told Reuters.

She was later taken to hospital with her husband.

On Wednesday night, Singapore authorities said that there were no reports of Singaporeans injured in the incident.

"The Singapore government is saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the earthquake which struck off Hualien, Taiwan on Apr 3, 2024, and extends its condolences and sympathies to those affected," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Wednesday.

It has been reaching out to Singaporeans who registered with the ministry and is providing the necessary consular assistance.

"In view of possible aftershocks, Singaporeans in Taiwan are advised to remain vigilant, take all necessary precautions for their personal safety and heed the instructions of the local authorities," said the ministry.

CNA has contacted MFA for more information.