What's happened
Two hikers, Neo Siew Choo and Sim Hwee Kok, went missing in Taroko National Park in Taiwan after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck, leaving 13 dead and over 1,100 injured. More than 600 people remain stranded, with hundreds trapped in the national park due to landslides and rockfalls.
Why it matters
The Taiwan earthquake has resulted in tragic loss of life, injuries, and individuals being stranded or missing. The ongoing search and rescue efforts are crucial in ensuring the safety of those affected and highlighting the need for preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the missing hikers and stranded individuals, highlighting the challenges faced by rescuers. Metro provides details on the number of people stranded and the efforts to recover trapped bodies. The Guardian focuses on the search and recovery work, emphasizing the scale of the earthquake's impact and the ongoing rescue operations.
How we got here
Taiwan, located on a tectonic boundary, is prone to earthquakes, with the recent 7.4 magnitude quake being the strongest in 25 years. The rugged terrain of Taroko National Park has posed challenges for rescuers, with landslides and rockfalls cutting off access to many areas.
More on these topics
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Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Neighbouring countries include the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.
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Hualien City is a county-administered city and the county seat of Hualien County, Taiwan. It is located on the east coast of Taiwan on the Pacific Ocean, and has a population of 106,368 inhabitants.