Tainan earthquake, two people pulled alive from rubble. Pope expresses sorrow
In a telegram, Francis expressed sorrow for the victims and their families and closeness to the survivors. Official death toll rises to 37 with 527 wounded. Rescuers race to free as many people as possible, the authorities will open an investigation to find out the reasons for the collapse of the building complex.
Taipei (AsiaNews) - Two people were pulled alive from the rubble of a building that collapsed two days ago in Tainan, Taiwan. The area was hit by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake February 6th , which left residents of the building complex Weiguan Jinlong ( "Golden Dragon") trapped under rubble. Rescuers have spent the past 56 hours searching for survivors, while Pope Francis has sent a telegram to express his condolences and his closeness to the victims' families.
The first extracted this morning is a woman, who remained under her husband's body crushed by rubble. Their two years son was found dead near the couple. The second survivor was a man, but there is no other details about him. The official number of victims has risen to 37, but unfortunately the figure likely to rise. The authorities believe that there are "at least 100 other people" trapped in the building.
Rescuers have thus far managed to pull 310 people out of the rubble, of whom 100 are hospitalized. In total the injured are 527, since the collapse also involved passersby and residents of neighboring buildings. The investigation initiated by local officials now focuses on the reason for the collapse of the residential complex: the mayor of Tainan, William Lai, he said that there were alleged "violations" during the construction of the building. However he has not added other details.
In the telegram he sent yesterday, signed by the Secretary of State Card. Parolin, the Pope says he " was saddened to learn of the suffering caused by the deadly earthquake which struck in Tainan, leaving many people dead or seriously injured. He sends prayerful condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, as well as to rescue personnel and the civil authorities. His Holiness, commending the souls of the departed to the tender mercy of God, invokes abundant divine blessings of consolation and strength upon those who mourn and upon all who have been affected by this tragedy. "
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