Rescue operations are underway in Taiwan following a devastating earthquake that struck off its east coast on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of at least four lives. The earthquake, measured at a magnitude of 7.4, caused extensive damage with multiple buildings collapsing in Hualien, the city nearest to the epicenter.
Described as the strongest tremor to hit the island in a quarter of a century, the earthquake’s impact was felt as far as Taiwan’s mountainous interior, triggering massive landslides. In the capital city of Taipei, dramatic footage depicted buildings swaying violently under the force of the quake.
Wu Chien Fu, director of Taipei’s Seismology Centre, emphasized the widespread impact of the earthquake, stating, “The earthquake is close to land and it’s shallow. It’s felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands… It’s the strongest in 25 years.”
Tragically, the National Fire Agency confirmed three fatalities at a trail around Taroko National Park, renowned for its scenic gorge located just outside Hualien. Additionally, over 50 individuals have sustained injuries, with some trapped in collapsed buildings and tunnels in and around the affected city.
Taiwan’s prominent semiconductor manufacturer, TSMC, took precautionary measures by evacuating some of its factories in Hsinchu and southern Taiwan to ensure the safety of its staff. However, the company assured that its safety systems remained operational. TSMC plays a pivotal role in the production of semiconductors for tech giants such as Apple and Nvidia.
Despite the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, which triggered tsunami warnings across Taiwan and neighboring countries, including Japan and the Philippines, relief efforts continued amidst reports of power outages and internet disruptions across the island. The earthquake, which struck at 07:58 local time at a depth of 15.5km, generated at least nine significant aftershocks, exacerbating the situation.
Hualien, situated in Taiwan’s eastern coastal region, presents logistical challenges for rescue teams due to the extensive damage to major roads and rail lines connecting the city to the rest of the island. Given the mountainous terrain and sparse population in the area, air support may be necessary for accessing affected areas.
This earthquake evokes memories of Taiwan’s tragic history with seismic events, notably the devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake in September 1999, which claimed thousands of lives and destroyed numerous buildings.
While neighboring Japan initially braced for potential tsunami waves of up to 3 meters along its southwestern coast, subsequent assessments led to a downgrade of the warning. However, authorities remain vigilant, urging residents to prepare for potential aftershocks in the coming days.
Similarly, the Philippines’ seismology agency issued and later cancelled a tsunami warning, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that the threat had subsided.
The seismic activity extended beyond Taiwan’s borders, with reports of tremors felt in China’s southeastern Fujian province, underscoring the widespread impact of the earthquake across the region.
