Two Singaporeans Reportedly Missing After Taiwan Earthquake

Yesterday, it was reported that 71 foreigners were rescued after the Taiwan earthquake that occurred on 3 April 2024, including eight Singaporeans.

Two of them suffered light injuries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Friday, adding that the ministry has contacted all e-registered Singaporeans in the regions affected by the earthquake.

“Our Trade Office in Taipei continues to be in close touch with the Taiwanese authorities as rescue and relief efforts continue,” MFA said. “We express our appreciation to the Taiwanese authorities for the quick assistance and support they have extended.”

Two Singaporeans Reportedly Missing After Taiwan Earthquake

It is now also reported that two Singaporeans are missing in Taiwan after the earthquake.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on 5 April  that the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei is in close touch with the local authorities on the matter.

In response to queries, the MFA said its officials have been in contact with the next of kin and are providing consular assistance, and they will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Aftershocks in Taiwan

Taiwan has been shaken by hundreds of strong aftershocks since the first quake that occurred three days ago.

The government has advised people to be wary of landslides or rockfalls if they venture into the countryside for Qing Ming, a two-day public holiday that began on Thursday (4 April 2024).

Aftershocks are like the “echoes” of an earthquake. Just think of the main earthquake as a stone thrown into a pond with ripples spreading out—that initial splash is the main earthquake, and the ripples that come after are the aftershocks.

After the Earth’s crust breaks and shifts during the big quake (the main shock), it doesn’t just settle down right away. Instead, it continues to adjust to its new position.

This adjustment period can last for days, weeks, or even years, depending on the size of the main shock.

On Friday, when New York City was hit by a rare 4.8-magnitude earthquake, its aftershock made the headlines, too.