Xi grieves over Taiwan quake, vows aid
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E-mail Xinhua, February 8, 2016
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Excavators search for survivors in a collapsed building in Tainan City, southeast China's Taiwan, Feb. 7, 2016. [Xinhua] |
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Sunday conveyed condolences to the victims in the strong earthquake that struck southern Taiwan on early Saturday.
The 6.7-magnitude quake hit Kaohsiung at 3:57 am Beijing Time on Saturday at a depth of 15 kilometers, killing at least 37.
"We're deeply concerned about the disaster situation.
We express deepest sympathies to Taiwan compatriots affected by the quake and convey condolences to victims," Xi said in a statement.
"Compatriots across the Taiwan Strait are one family whose blood is thicker than water, and we would like to provide assistance in all aspects," Xi added.
The Chinese mainland has offered help. While addressing a lunar new year gathering on Saturday morning, Premier Li Keqiang sent condolences to the victims.
Many mainland netizens posted messages expressing sympathy for Taiwan compatriots who are affected by the quake.
"Let's pray for our Taiwan compatriots," wrote netizen "Zuo'an Houniao."
Death toll at 37
Rescuers dug out two more bodies from under the debris of a collapsed residential complex in southern Taiwan on Monday morning, bringing the total toll of an earthquake that hit the island early Saturday to 37.
The number includes at least 10 children, according to local authorities.
The newly found victims, a 45-year-old man surnamed Hsu and his two-year-old son, were pulled out from the toppled Wei Guan building in Yongkang District of Tainan city, which bore the brunt of the quake. They were already deceased when discovered.
Hsu's wife, however, was found alive and conscious, but in a critical condition. She was rushed to the local hospital's ICU for treatment.
Another man named Li Tsung-tian was also rescued hours later on Monday morning. He was conscious and talking to rescuers when lowered from the wreck via a crane, but rescuers said he may have to be receive amputations for his injuries.
Rescuers said they have identified several other signs of life inside the building and are searching through the rubble for more survivors.
More than 110 people trapped
The rescuers are racing against time to save over 110 people who are still trapped in the rubble of the building.
Some of the island's high-speed rail lines have suspended operations.
More than 600 rescuers, including fire fighters and volunteers, as well as 105 fire engines and 44 ambulances have been involved in the rescue.
They combed through the ruins, some using their hands, watched anxiously by dozens of the victims' family members who wore thick jackets, woollen hats and scarves to combat the winter chill.
Medical staff with empty gurneys waited nearby.
"She's not answering my phone calls ... I am trying to hold my emotions and stay strong. I'll do that until I find her," said a woman surnamed Chang, 42, waiting to hear from her 24-year-old daughter who lived on the fifth floor of the complex.
Previous reports said more than 460 people were injured.
In the historic city of Tainan, eight buildings collapsed and another five were damaged.
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