8-meter waves kill 8 in Taiwan

Source: Xinhua | November 10, 2013, Sunday |

Online Edition

High waves that measured about eight meters tall killed eight people and injured eight others in northeastern Taiwan yesterday.

The victims were residents in the city of Xinbei attending a community college course in a scenic geopark near the island's northeastern coast, said rescuers today.

The group of 26 were hit by three large waves, with 16 of them swept out to sea. After hours of rescue attempts, eight were confirmed dead, said a source with the firefighting agency in Xinbei.

This is believed to be the most serious casualty caused by high waves in Taiwan in recent years.

The local meteorological authority in Taiwan said the waves were whipped up by Typhoon Haiyan. It also warned people and organizations in the island's eastern and southwestern coastal areas to remain alert today.

Local people called such ferocious phenomena "mad dog waves," as many seem harmless at sea but may suddenly turn into huge billows near the coast.

According to local media reports, authorities in Xinbei are discussing whether to close parts of the coastal walk in bad weather conditions.

Nation

About Us
|
Terms of Use
|
RSS
|
Privacy Policy
|
Contact Us
|
Shanghai Call Center: 962288
|
Tip-off hotline: 52920043

沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
|
互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
|
网络视听许可证：0909346
|
广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
|
增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012

8-meter waves kill 8 in Taiwan

Email this to your friend