MECO says 3 Filipinos hurt in Taiwan earthquake

This photo taken by Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan’s east. A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan on the morning of April 3, prompting tsunami warnings for the self-ruled island as well as parts of southern Japan and the Philippines. (Photo by CNA / AFP) / China OUT – Macau OUT – Taiwan OUT / HONG KONG OUT – RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

MANILA, Philippines — Three Filipinos were hurt from the major earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday morning, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Meco) Chairman Silvestre Bello III said.

According to Bello, among the injured was a female overseas Filipino worker (OFW) named Sylvia, who sustained a swollen hand.

“Sa ating mga kababayan merong tatlo na consider na casualty pero minor injuries lang sila (Among our compatriots, there are three who are considered casualties, but they only have minor injuries),” he said in an interview over Radyo 630 on Thursday.

READ:Powerful Taiwan earthquake in 25 years: 7 dead, hundreds injured

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake – which was initially reported as 7.5 – hit Taiwan’s east coast a couple of minutes before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, knocking off buildings and triggering tsunami alerts.

Officials said it was the strongest to shake the island in decades, and warned of more tremors in the days ahead.

“The earthquake is close to land and it’s shallow. It’s felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands,” said Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei’s Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Center.

Strict building regulations and disaster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the island, which is regularly hit by earthquakes as it lies near the junction of two tectonic plates.

READ: Filipinos safe after magnitude 7.5 quake hit Taiwan – DFA’s initial report

Also on Wednesday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) gave assurance that it is continuously monitoring the situation of OFWs on the island following the powerful tremor.

“The DMW’s three Migrant Workers Offices in Taiwan immediately activated protocols with Filipino communities, leaders, relevant Taiwan government agencies as well as employers and trade associations to ascertain the safety and status of Taiwan-based OFWs,” it said in a statement.

Based on DMW’s data, 67,475 OFWs are currently in Taiwan.