The aftermath of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan has left a building leaning precariously in the city of Hualien. The red, 10-story building has become an iconic image of the devastation caused by the earthquake. The demolition of the building was halted due to aftershocks that made it lean even more, posing a danger to the surrounding area. The death toll from the earthquake has risen to 13, with six people still missing, including a family of five on the park’s Shakadang Trail. More than 400 people remain stranded in locations cut off by damage, with most seeking refuge at a hotel in Taroko park.
Survivors of the earthquake have shared harrowing tales of being trapped by rocks tumbling onto roadways, with rescuers having to free them from tunnels. The relatively low number of deaths from the powerful quake has been attributed to strict construction standards and public education campaigns in the earthquake-prone island of Taiwan. A magnitude-5.2 earthquake struck the area shortly before noon on Saturday, adding to the ongoing challenges faced by rescuers and survivors. The quake was the strongest to hit Taiwan since a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in 1999 that claimed 2,400 lives.
Rescuers are planning to bring in heavy equipment to recover two bodies pinned under boulders on the Shakadang Trail, where search and recovery work had been suspended due to aftershocks. Government officials are discussing how to proceed with the demolition of the leaning building in Hualien, as experts assess the risks involved. A ceremony was held before the demolition began, with offerings made as a mark of respect for the victims of the earthquake. The rebuilding process in Taiwan will be a challenging and long-term effort, as the community comes together to support those affected by the disaster.
