Magnitude 7.2

Taiwan earthquake: Hundreds of trapped people freed

Rescuers searching in the Taroko National Park after an earthquake in Taiwan

(Bild: CNA)

After the worst earthquake in almost 25 years in Taiwan, rescue workers have evacuated hundreds of people trapped in dangerous places. More than 400 tourists and locals still trapped in Taroko National Park were taken to safe places by helicopter or vehicle, authorities said on Sunday

. In the area in Hualien County on the east coast, the 7.2 earthquake on Wednesday damaged roads and caused landslides.

According to the latest information from the fire department, 38 people remained in four locations to carry out other tasks. They included, for example, employees of a hotel where many survivors had stayed.

(Bild: AFP)

According to local authorities, others remained at a power station, a Catholic church and a leisure center. Several Germans were among the tourists.

Viennese experienced Taiwan quake on the 24th floor
One person who experienced the earthquake was Raoul Korner from Vienna. You can get "really seasick", he said. 

At least 13 dead
According to official figures, at least 13 people died in Wednesday's earthquake. In the meantime, more than 1140 others were considered injured. A search was still underway for six people.

(Bild: CNA)

A rescue team from Turkey took part in the search on Sunday, during which drones were also used to gain further insights.

Bodies discovered between huge boulders
The authorities also released a surveillance video showing an Australian couple leaving a bus about 40 minutes before the quake on a hiking trail where rescue workers had previously discovered three bodies among huge boulders. Interior Minister Lin Yu-chang said the search would now focus on a specific section of that trail.