As Taiwan recovers from its worst earthquake in 25 years, the island’s rescue efforts are now pitted against aftershocks.

By Probe International

As many as 400 aftershocks are reported to have hit Taiwan since a 7.4 earthquake struck on Wednesday, killing 12 and injuring more than 1,000.

According to the country’s Central Weather Administration, 400 tremors were initially recorded from Wednesday morning into Thursday night.

Rain increases the risk of rockfalls and landslides, which are currently the biggest challenge facing rescue efforts to assist those who remain stranded or trapped by fallen debris and closed roads. There is also a chance another powerful earthquake could strike in the wake of Wednesday’s temblor.

Based on the current data, Chinese geologist and engineer, Fan Xiao, told reporters the recent quake registered a shallow epicentre (35 kilometres) and high magnitude, resulting in significant surface damage and the likelihood of stronger tremors to follow that last longer.

Tsunami warnings for Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines issued on Wednesday were later downgraded. Its impact was also reportedly felt in parts of mainland China, where news outlets referred to Taiwan as “China’s Taiwan.”

Mainland China’s offer of assistance to the island in the aftermath of Wednesday’s quake was rebuffed.

In response to remarks by China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the U.N., Geng Shuang, Taiwan’s foreign ministry, reports Reuters, condemned “China’s shameless use of the Taiwan earthquake to conduct cognitive operations internationally,” using Taiwan’s normal term for what it views as Chinese psychological warfare.

This shows China has no goodwill towards Taiwan, the ministry added.