STAFF at the South African mission in Taipei on Tuesday were shaken but unhurt after a huge earthquake struck Taiwan killing 1123 people and injuring 3500. According to initial reports there were no South African casualties. Christine Engelbrecht, head of administration at the mission, said that although the earthquake’s epicentre was 145 km south of Taipei, people living in the capital were also affected. Engelbrecht said the earthquake struck at about 1.47am local time while most people were asleep. The small SA mission, since Pretoria downgraded diplomatic links in favour or full ties with Beijing, is staffed by four South Africans. The South African government, meanwhile, has offered its condolences to the authorities and people of Taiwan.