According to Taipei's seismology official, the recent earthquake in Taiwan has been labeled as the "strongest in 25 years." The seismic event, measuring a formidable 7.4 magnitude, struck eastern Taiwan on Wednesday morning, resulting in four fatalities and 57 injuries. This seismic disturbance not only sent shockwaves through Taiwan but also triggered Tsunami alerts for the island itself, as well as regions of southern Japan and the Philippines.
The U.S Geological Survey pinpointed the quake's epicenter approximately 18 kilometers south of Taiwan's Hualien City, with a depth of 34.8 kilometers. Reports from news agency Reuters indicate that the tremor led to the collapse of 26 buildings, trapping 20 individuals, predominantly in Hualien city. Rescue operations are underway in full force across the affected areas, with reports pouring in regarding extensive damage to structures and homes.
The earthquake also caused widespread power outages, leaving thousands of homes in darkness. Additionally, a vital highway along the east coast had to be closed due to landslides and rockfalls, further complicating the situation. Although Taiwan issued a tsunami warning, fortunately, no significant damage was reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre later confirmed that the threat of destructive tsunami waves had largely subsided.
As a result of the seismic activity, train services throughout the island, housing a population of 23 million, were suspended, along with the suspension of subway services in Taipei. Residents experienced intense fear during the tremor, with one Taipei resident expressing that it was the first time they had been so terrified by an earthquake.
Taiwan's outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen promptly ordered an assessment of the situation and directed authorities to provide necessary assistance to affected areas. Meanwhile, visuals shared by witnesses captured the intense shaking, with commuters stopping abruptly on a bridge and vehicles swiftly evacuating the area once the tremors ceased.
The aftermath of the earthquake was evident in Hualien City's Beibin street, where a building stood askew, its roof partially collapsed onto nearby parked bicycles. Additionally, dashcam footage from a passing vehicle captured the moment the earthquake struck, underscoring the intensity of the event.
While tsunami waves were anticipated for remote Japanese islands, including Miyakojima island, the Japanese meteorological agency reported waves as high as three meters. Taiwan's geographical location makes it prone to earthquakes due to its position near the convergence of two tectonic plates. Notably, a devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake in September 1999 claimed around 2,400 lives, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in Taiwan's history. Hualien city itself experienced a deadly earthquake in 2018, resulting in the collapse of a historic hotel and multiple buildings.