DMW: 9 Filipinos injured in Taiwan quake

In this photo taken Thursday, April 4, 2024 and released by Pingtung Fire Department, firefighters evacuate a body from the Taroko National Park a day after a powerful earthquake struck, in the Hualien county, eastern Taiwan. Rescuers are searching for people out of contact a day after Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century damaged buildings, caused multiple rockslides. (Pingtung Fire Department via AP)

MANILA, Philippines — The number of Filipinos who sustained injuries following the powerful 7.2 quake in Taiwan has risen to nine, the Department of Migrant Workers confirmed on Monday.

In a statement, DMW assured the public that all of the nine slightly injured Taiwan-based Filipino workers have received medical attention and are now recovering.

“Their health and condition are being monitored closely by the DMW’s Migrant Workers Office in Taipei,” said the agency.

“Meantime, the DMW is deploying a six-member augmentation team today to address the needs of the approximately 5,000 OFWs in Hualien County and surrounding counties,” it added.

According to DMW, the team will provide psycho-social and mental wellness support for overseas Filipino workers who might need assistance.

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.

Officials said it was the strongest to shake the island in decades.