Rescue efforts in Taiwan on Thursday are currently focused on more than 60 individuals who are stranded in a quarry in Hualien. Additionally, authorities are working diligently to reach those who are cut off in the surrounding mountain gorges, as per the latest update.
Drone footage obtained from a source affiliate, CTS, revealed workers at the damaged quarry perched precariously on the edge of a steep cliff high above the gorge. Tragically, one person lost their life due to rockfall in a separate quarry. However, there is a glimmer of hope as six other workers were successfully rescued. Dramatic video footage released by the fire agency showcased a helicopter performing a daring airlift operation to rescue these individuals from a narrow outcrop of rock situated high up in the mountains.
One of the rescued workers from the Zhonghe open-air mine shared their harrowing experience, stating, 'There were too many rocks, like bullets falling from above. We didn’t know where to run. We were all scared.'
Despite the intensity of the earthquake, the death toll remains relatively low, and the extent of the damage seems to be contained. Presently, there have been nine confirmed fatalities, with 1,050 individuals sustaining injuries. Additionally, 46 people are reported missing or uncontactable. The National Fire Agency of Taiwan has disclosed that there are still 101 individuals trapped or stranded, with ongoing rescue operations in progress.
