Death toll rises to 13 following Taiwan's 7.3-magnitude quake

HUALIEN, Taiwan, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The death toll following a 7.3-magnitude earthquake in China's Taiwan has risen to 13, local authorities confirmed on Saturday.

A 21-year-old woman, who was traveling alone in Taroko Park in Hualien County when the earthquake struck, was confirmed dead. Her body lay close to those of two victims discovered on Friday, according to an official of the search and rescue team.

Three people remain missing in the park. They are believed to be from one family, the official told reporters, pledging to make full efforts to search for them.

According to the local meteorological authority, over 600 aftershocks with tremors have been recorded following the earthquake as of Saturday noon.

Helicopters continuously managed to operate amid rain to bring back those trapped in a hotel within the park or in a nearby activity center. Survivors who had just recovered from fright expressed their gratitude to rescuers.

At 7:58 a.m. Wednesday, the earthquake jolted the sea area near Hualien County in Taiwan.