Rescue efforts ramp up after southern Taiwan temblor

2016/02/15

Rescue efforts in southern Taiwan have shifted into high gear following a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck 3:57 a.m., Feb. 6, in Meinong District of Kaohsiung City.

A special Central Emergency Operation Center overseen by ROC Minister of the Interior Chen Wei-zen was activated shortly after the temblor. President Ma Ying-jeou and Premier Chang San-cheng visited the CEOC later in the morning en route to Yongkang District of Tainan City to assess the situation.

Ma said the central and local governments are leaving no stone unturned in rescuing survivors, and units from the ROC armed forces are assisting with operations.

According to Chang, a top priority is finding housing for those affected by the disaster. Arrangements are being made with local hotels for temporary accommodation, while the Ministry of National Defense will set up shelters at military bases, he said.

In response, Tainan City Mayor Lai Ching-te said he is deeply appreciative for the rescue equipment and teams provided by the central government and neighboring municipalities, as well as large-scale expressions of public sympathy pouring in from around Taiwan as the nation starts the Lunar New Year vacation.

ROC President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, also expressed concern and directed the heads of cities and counties run by the DPP in southern Taiwan to offer all necessary assistance.

Several buildings in Tainan have been extensively damaged. Among these, the collapse of a 17-floor apartment building in Yongkang killed six and injured 58, with 11 still missing.

The latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare have the death toll at seven with 316 injured.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242129&ctNode=2194&mp=9)