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South Africans in quake-hit Taiwan share their harrowing experience

todayApril 3, 2024 65 1

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South Africans living in Taiwan are still reeling from shock following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that claimed nine lives in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

They described the experience as scary.

More than 900 people were injured after the powerful earthquake rocked the East Asian country,ย  damaging dozens of buildings.

Speaking to YNews, Zoe says she realised the seriousness of the disaster when things started falling off the shelves in her apartment.

Sean Harris is another South African who started working and living in the East Asia country last year.

It was his first time experiencing an earthquake.

Harris says while he had a lot going on in his mind when the earth began shaking, his safety was paramount.

The earthquake, which is said to be the strongest in 25 years, also prompted tsunami warnings that extended to Japan and the Philippines.

According to Taiwan National Fire Agency, 77 more people are still trapped under the rubble.

 

Enrique has told YNews that he is still trying to make sense of the entire experience.

According to authorities, three people among a group of seven who were on an early-morning hike were crushed to death by boulders loosened by the earthquake.

Separately, a truck driver died when his vehicle was hit by a landslide as it approached a tunnel in the area.

Hualien county is so far the most affected.

Social media has been abuzz with videos and images from around the country being shared.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris

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