Tsunami warning center China’s international tsunami* warning center has opened, serving countries bordering on the South China Sea, oceanic officials said on February 8. The center, built and managed by China, monitors major earthquake subduction zones* in the South China, Sulu and Sulawesi seas and provides 24-hour uninterrupted warning services. Earthquake death toll Two more mainland tourists were confirmed dead on Sunday in the earthquake on February 6 in Taiwan’s Hualien* County, bringing the death toll to 17. Rescuers found the bodies in the ruins of a 12-story building after searching for more than 100 hours. The latest victims were from the same family of five as three were found and confirmed dead on Saturday. The family of five from Beijing was staying on the second floor of the Yun Men Tsui Ti building. Bus overturns in HK At least 18 people were killed and 62 injured on Saturday after a double-decker* bus overturned* in Hong Kong. Authorities said 10 of the injured were in critical condition and 15 were seriously wounded. Police said the 30-year-old driver was arrested. Most of the injured and bodies of the deceased* were found on the upper deck of the bus, and the deceased mostly died of trauma* to the head. Drone used for transportation China will promote the use of drones* in its transportation sector to improve efficiency, safety and quality. “We are currently making plans to develop drone technology and drafting technical standards,” Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng said on February 6. Li believes drones bring bright prospects for transportation as they have already been used in sectors including self-steering* boats and automatic rail transit. The ministry is building test sites to carry out more research, said Li.(SD-Agencies) ? | 