In a tragic development, Taiwanese authorities have formally issued death certificates for Singaporeans Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo, who went missing following a devastating earthquake in Hualien on 3 April 2024. The couple, last seen at a mountain trail, is now presumed dead after not being located for over eight months.
The Earthquake Details
The 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Hualien County—a significant natural disaster that resulted in at least 18 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. The couple was reportedly last seen disembarking from a shuttle bus at the Shakadang Trail at around 7.20 am, just 40 minutes before the quake rocked the region, triggering widespread landslides and property damage.
Official Stance and Family Response
- The Hualien District Court marked the time of death for the couple as noon on 3 April.
- Family members, who had been hopeful for their recovery, requested prosecutors to initiate the issuance of the death certificates.
- Despite this development, they have expressed a desire for search efforts to resume, seeking closure in the wake of their loved ones’ disappearance.
As the dust settles on this heart-wrenching situation, the family continues to hope for the possibility of recovery, even as the reminder of the massive earthquake lingers in the minds of citizens and authorities alike.