Taiwan earthquake: Two Indians go missing after calamity; 9 dead, more than 1,000 injured

As search and rescue operations continued following the most massive earthquake to have shakenTaiwan in 25 years on Wednesday (April 3), two Indian nationals were reported to be missing by various Indian media outlets. Meanwhile, the death toll remained at nine and more than 1,000 were reported injured.

The missing Indians, who were reported to be a man and a woman - were last spotted at Taroko Gorge, which is close to Hualien County. Hualien County was near the epicentre of the 7.2magnitude earthquake which shook Taiwan.Taiwan's fire department confirmed that 1,038 people are injured and 52 have been missing.

As per Indian media reports, a search operation was underway to find the missing Indians. Several thousand Indians, which includes 3,000 students, have been living in Taiwan.

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Drones and helicopters are being used by the authorities to find people in the gorge and supplies will be dropped for them when they are found. According to the authorities, some 70 people have already been evacuated from the tunnels close to Hualien city, which includes two Germans.

They have also lost contact with 50 workers, who were in four minibuses heading to a hotel in a national park Taroko Gorge, said officials, and added that the rescuers have been looking for them. Nearly 80 people were trapped in a mining area.

Also Read:Scary and fearful: Indian national recounts horror of Taiwan quake as deadly tremor strikes eastern coast

Indian PM Modi expresses grief over tragic earthquake

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and the loss of lives.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it,” said PM Modi, in a post on X.

Replying to the prime minister's post, outgoing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said, “We are deeply grateful for your kind words and support, @narendramodi, at this challenging time. Your solidarity means a great deal to the people of Taiwan as we all work toward a swift recovery."

Meanwhile, President-elect Lai Ching-te, also responding to PM Modi, said, “Thank you, Prime Minister Modi @narendramodi, for your heartwarming message. Your support & solidarity are a source of strength to the people of Taiwan during these trying times.”

Watch:Taiwanese TV anchors continue reading news as earthquake rocks studio

Meanwhile, the India Taipei Association, which is the de facto mission of India in Taiwan, also extended its condolences at the loss of lives.

“We sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand ready with the people of Taiwan during these difficult times #IslandOfResilience,” said the association on X.

In an advisory, the association informed that an emergency helpline has been set up by them for assistance, guidance and any clarifications needed by Indian nationals living in Taiwan.

“In view of the earthquake striking off the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of Wednesday, 03 April 2024, the following emergency helpline has been set up by India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan: Mobile: 0905247906 Email: ad.ita@mea.gov.in All Indian nationals are further requested to follow advisories issued by the local authorities. ITA also requests Indian nationals in Taiwan to share this advisory through their local networks for wider circulation," the India Taipei Association said, in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)