Two more survivors are rescued from the rubble in quake-struck Taiwan

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Two more survivors are rescued from the rubble in quake-struck Taiwan



- Man and woman pulled alive from rubble in Taiwan
- Death toll from deadly quake rises to 38
- Probe launched into building collapse

TAIPEI: -- Two more people – a man and a woman – have been pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed building in Taiwan, some 48 hours after a deadly earthquake struck.

The death toll has risen to 38 with around 100 people still missing most of them in the Weiguan Jinlong or Golden Dragon apartment complex in Tainan city.

Officials have said 310 people had been rescued, but many survivors have needed hospital treatment.

Hundreds of soldiers are involved in the rescue operation , with the help of high-tech equipment, sniffer dogs and cranes. Shelters are being set up for those who have lost their homes.

An investigation has been launched into why the 17-story structure collapsed when others in the area remained standing. There is speculation that poor-quality reinforced steel and cement may have played a part.

The magnitude 6.4 quake was shallow according to US geographers which would have amplified its effect.
Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and often sees tremors.

There were also at least five aftershocks. The quake was felt in the capital Taipei, 300km away.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-08