Missing Aussies on CCTV before earthquake
Two missing Australian-Singaporeans in Taiwan have been captured on CCTV footage exiting a bus near a nature trail about 40 minutes before a deadly earthquake struck.
The Australian reported Neo Siew Choo and Sim Hwee Kok were on their way to the Shakadang Trail in the Taroko National Park when they were last seen getting off a bus about 7.20am.
The couple had boarded a bus at 6.30am while they were holidaying in Hualien City.
Special search and rescue team leader Chen Yifeng told media that part of the trail had collapsed during the earthquake.
The bodies of three other people who were missing on the trail have been recovered.
Choo and Kok, along with one other person, are still missing as rescuers attempt to find them.
Sandy Sandro Wong shared a photo of the couple on the Hualien Earthquake Relief Information page on Facebook to help search and rescue teams find the pair.
The 7.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Taiwanese city of Hualien last Wednesday, killing seven people and injuring more than 1000.
Devastating scenes emerged from the city that showed buildings shake uncontrollably before tipping over, and some collapsing onto busy streets.
A huge emergency rescue operation got underway, with authorities attempting to free residents trapped beneath rubble.
It was the biggest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years.
A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they were providing consular assistance to the family of two Australians reported missing following the earthquake in Taiwan.
“The Australian office in Taipei is working closely with local authorities to confirm the welfare of the missing Australians,” the spokesperson said.
“We are aware of a small number of Australians who were evacuated from the area following the earthquake in Taiwan.
“Australians in the region are advised to follow the directions of local authorities.
“Owing to our privacy obligations, we cannot provide further comment.
“Australians in the region are advised to follow the directions of local authorities.”
