Taiwan earthquake death toll rises to 10 as island's infrastructure tested

Rescuers scramble to reach survivors after most powerful temblor in 25 years

20240404 taiwan quake rescue

Workers carry out operations at the partially collapsed Uranus Building in Hualien on April 4, the day after the Taiwanese city was hit by a major earthquake. © Reuters

THOMPSON CHAU, Contributing writer

TAIPEI -- Rescue personnel in Taiwan on Thursday were working to reach survivors of the major earthquake that struck the island the previous day, as the disaster drew comparisons with a temblor 25 years ago and focused attention on the resilience of infrastructure.

The death toll rose to 10, local authorities announced at 4:40 p.m. local time, after the number had held steady at nine overnight. They also reported that 660 people were known to be trapped -- clarifying that this meant the survivors were contacted and confirmed safe -- while 38 people were missing or could not be contacted. Most of those who were trapped were related to the Tianxiang Silk Place Taroko Hotel and an activity center in a national park.

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