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Taiwan quake death toll rises to 35

Xinhua, February 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

The death toll of a 6.7-magnitude quake which hit Taiwan early Saturday rose to 35 Monday as rescuers working overnight pulled out another body from under the debris.

More than 50 hours after the earthquake struck, over 110 people are believed to be still buried under the rubble of buildings collapsed by the disaster just two days ahead of the traditional Chinese New Year.

Of the 35 people killed -- including a 10-day old baby girl -- 34 were found in the toppled Wei Guan residential building in Yongkang District of Tainan City which bore the brunt of the quake.

Rescuers are still scrambling over the wreck of the 16-story building left on its side with twisted metal girders exposed.

The extended Lunar New Year holiday has officially started, but celebrations were subdued as family members stood around in the cold, waiting for news of missing relatives.

Taiwan is frequently rattled by earthquakes. Most cause little or no damage, although a 7.3-magnitude quake, the strongest to hit Taiwan in about 100 years left more than 2,000 people dead. Endi