Taiwan experienced a powerful earthquake, the strongest in 25 years, causing buildings to collapse and widespread power outages. The earthquake, which struck during the morning rush hour, resulted in nine deaths and 821 injuries.
The quake had varying magnitudes, with Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency reporting it as magnitude 7.2, the US Geological Survey measuring it at 7.4, and Japan’s Meteorological Agency estimating it at 7.7.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to free the 127 people who are trapped in Hualien County. Of these, 77 individuals were underground in the Dachingshui and Jinwen tunnels, while 50 were passengers in four minibuses in downtown Hualien.
The epicentre of the earthquake was approximately 11 miles southwest of Hualien, with a depth of around 22 miles.
A five-storey building in Hualien suffered significant damage, with the first floor collapsing and the rest leaning at a 45-degree angle. The extent of any potential entrapment within the structure remains unclear.
The Taiwan earthquake caused major disruptions to transportation along the east coast, with landslides and falling debris impacting tunnels and highways in the mountainous region.
Additionally, a small tsunami was observed in certain coastal areas of Japan, although warnings were subsequently lifted.
In Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, older buildings experienced roof tile damage, while newer office complexes also suffered structural issues. Train services and the metro system across Taiwan were suspended, and power outages affected over 87,000 households.
The earthquake also had repercussions in neighboring countries. Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, expressed readiness to support Taiwan in the aftermath of the quake.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency described the earthquake as very shallow, which increases the potential for damage. The agency also emphasized the need for vigilance regarding aftershocks, which could continue at a similar intensity for about a week.
The Philippines Seismology Agency urged residents in coastal areas of several provinces to evacuate to higher ground. Chinese media confirmed that the earthquake was felt in Shanghai and several provinces along China’s southeastern coast.
Taiwan is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its seismic activity.
The country has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, including a magnitude 7.7 quake in 1999 that resulted in 2,400 deaths, around 100,000 injuries, and extensive destruction of buildings.
In 2011, Japan faced a 9-magnitude earthquake, triggering a massive tsunami and leading to the worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl.
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