Aftershocks hamper relief efforts in Taiwan

Aftershocks following the strong earthquake in Taiwan are complicating ongoing search and relief efforts.

Nearly 100 aftershocks, with intensities reaching magnitude 4, were recorded on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, with their epicenters in Hualien county's coastal area and nearby waters, according to the local meteorological agency.

On Wednesday at 7:58 am, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake jolted the sea area near Hualien, killing 10 people and injuring more than 1,000. A total of 660 people were still trapped and 38 missing as of Thursday afternoon, local authorities said.

According to the island's emergency disaster management agency and media reports, the earthquake caused relatively minor damage in areas other than Hualien. Twenty shelters have been established in the county.

Early Thursday morning, a Hualien official told reporters that search and rescue efforts were almost complete, with the exception of Taroko Scenic Area, which was difficult to evacuate in time due to traffic disruptions.

Search and rescue teams arrived from all over Taiwan. Tents and daily necessities were provided to people who were temporarily staying in shelters due to damaged houses.

Meanwhile, railway services in Fujian and Jiangxi provinces have resumed operations after widespread train delays and cancellations due to the earthquake, local railway authorities said on Thursday.

China Railway Nanchang Group in Jiangxi added 97 passenger trains to meet the growing demand during the Qingming Festival holiday, which lasts from Thursday to Saturday.

The Chinese mainland has expressed concern and offered support to Taiwan.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that the mainland would closely monitor the situation and any developments, and expressed the mainland's willingness to provide assistance with disaster relief efforts.

Shenzhen Airport in Guangdong province has opened a green channel for passengers and freight flights to Taiwan, and waived related fees.

The Shanghai Taiwan Investors Association has launched a fundraising campaign for affected people and reconstruction efforts.

Many people from the mainland have conveyed their heartfelt condolences to compatriots in Taiwan through social media, with some leaving online comments like "wish you are all safe and sound" and "hope life in Taiwan can return to normal soon".

Xinhua contributed to this story.