SINGAPORE - The search operation for a Singaporean couple missing after the April 3 Taiwan earthquake was suspended on April 14 because of safety concerns posed by aftershocks and landslides.

It is believed the pair were hiking along the Shakadang Trail in eastern Taiwan’s Hualien county when the 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck.

Due to continuous aftershocks, many segments along the trail are still plagued by falling earth and rocks, reported Taiwanese media.

At about 10.30am on April 13, a rock wall collapsed about 2.2km away from the trail, causing rescuers to jump into a nearby stream for safety. The crew members evacuated via the stream and no one was injured, reported United Daily News.

The operation was halted after considering the safety of the search-and-rescue team, said the Hualien County Fire Department. It will resume when the trail is deemed safe and there is new evidence. 

The family of the missing Singaporeans, Mr Sim Hwee Kok and Ms Neo Siew Choo, had agreed to the suspension of the operation, added the department.

According to a statement from the couple’s family, they said they were thankful to the search-and-rescue team for their dedication and effort in searching for Mr Sim and Ms Neo.

The family’s statement, which was in Chinese, said they hoped search-and-rescue operations will resume when the time is right so that they can be reunited with the couple.

The family also expressed their hope that the rescuers would prioritise their own safety during these operations.

“We hope that the reconstruction of Hualien will be completed soon, so that more people can experience Hualien’s beauty, and feel the friendliness and warmth of the people in Hualien,” said the family.

The missing pair were last seen alighting from a bus at the Shakadang Trail in Hualien’s Taroko Gorge at about 7.20am on April 3. The quake, Taiwan’s biggest in 25 years, struck around 40 minutes later, with the epicentre 18km south-west of Hualien City.

Family members of the couple, who also hold Australian passports, were present at the trail on the morning of April 14, reported Taiwanese news channel EBC News. Many were in tears and shouted the names of the missing couple. 

The Taroko National Park reopened partially on April 12, according to its website. Visitors have been urged to exercise caution and avoid entering damaged areas.

Correction note: An earlier version of this article attributed the statement by the couple’s family to the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei. This is inaccurate. We are sorry for the error.

• Additional reporting by Sarah Koh