It has now been eight days since a group of mainland tourists went missing because of a massive landslide. Taiwan authorities confirmed the first dead mainland tourist through DNA samples. This means the chance of finding the others alive is extremely slim, but rescue workers still persist.

Taiwan authorities identified the remains found Monday belong to a missing mainland tourist Gong Yan through DNA samples.

Prosecutor Spokesman of Ilan, Taiwan, said, "The comparison is between Gong Yan and her sister Gong Li. We're sure about the result."

This is devastating news for the sister who has been praying to see her sibling.

The search is progressing despite terrible weather. Tire parts and seats have been found along the 1.5-kilometer section of the Suao-Hualien Highway.

Also found is a red cellphone. It has been smashed, and rescuers are unsure who it belongs to. But based on the traditional Chinese characters still used in Taiwan, rescuers suspect the phone belongs to a Taiwan resident.

As of today, 52 items have been discovered from the site. Police will send them to a lab. They hope family members can identify whether they belong to the missing.

Metal detectors continues to play their role as 22 spots are already reacting to the machines.

A team of 36 workers have been sent to a mound thirty-meters high under the slope of the cliff to carry out blasts where they suspect the tour bus was run-off the road.

Seven small excavators will be sent to the rescue site by helicopters. But because of strong rain and heavy winds, work was suspended. Only four of the machines have been sent to the site. The other three should arrive Friday morning.

Despite strong winds on the sea, vessels have began canvassing the water near the coast.

While the search continues, families of the missing tourists wait.

Zhang Shenglin, the deputy secretary-general of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, along with two other family members visited the rescue site. A simple ceremony was held in which family members prayed for the return of their loved ones.

A family member said, "We are grieving. This is so hard. When can we see our families?"

Family member hope rescue workers can speed up and expand the areas of search.

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