Kremlin Expresses Condolences to Taiwan Over Deadly Earthquake

Russia expresses condolences over the deadly earthquake that hit Taiwan during the weekend.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Moscow expresses condolences over the deadly earthquake that hit Taiwan over the weekend, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

"Moscow expresses its condolences over the devastating earthquake that occurred in Taiwan and led to numerous casualties," Peskov told reporters.

On Saturday, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck 28 miles southeast of the city of Tainan, toppling multiple buildings, including a 17-story residential building. The deadly earthquake claimed the lives of at least 37 people and injured over 500.

Search operations are still underway as dozens of people remain to be rescued. Earlier in the day, rescue services pulled two victims out alive, who had been trapped under the ruined multi-story building for some 50 hours.

According to the Richter scale, earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 – 6.9 are considered to be strong, and are very likely to damage well-built structures in populated areas, and can be felt in wider areas, up to hundreds of miles from the epicenter.