Last 2 bodies of victims killed in Taiwan earthquake recovered

Rescue workers search for the victims trapped inside the ruins of the collapsed Yunmen Tsuiti residential building in Hualien County, Taiwan, on February 22, 2018. [Photo: Imagine China]

Emergency workers have recovered the last two bodies of victims killed in a powerful earthquake in Taiwan earlier in February.

The bodies of the two Chinese mainland tourists were pulled from the ruins of the collapsed 12-story Yunmen Tsuiti residential building in Hualien County.

"While cleaning up, we've noticed the odor from the rubble, so we've been disinfecting that area. And when we can see the planks and quilts that are used to cover the bodies, we will switch to manpower from small-size excavators. We're trying to protect the corpses of the two victims, so as to give them sanctity," said Lin Wen-jui, head of the local fire station.

The bodies have been sent to a local funeral house, and the two victims' relatives are scheduled to arrive at Hualien later today.

The 6.5-magnitude earthquake jolted Hualien County on February 6, killing 17 and injuring more than 200 others.