Taiwan was shaken by its most powerful earthquake in a quarter-century during the Wednesday morning rush hour, causing structural damage and triggering a tsunami alert in southern Japanese islands. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The quake, centered near the southeastern coastal city of Hualien, caused significant damage to a five-story building, which partially collapsed and leaned at a 45-degree angle. In Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings, and some newer office complexes experienced debris falling from construction sites.
As a precautionary measure, schools evacuated students to sports fields, providing them with safety helmets and using textbooks as shields against potential falling objects during aftershocks.
Transportation services across the island, including trains and subways in Taipei, were suspended. Landslides and debris along the East Coast led to traffic disruptions, with reports of damage to vehicles and infrastructure.
Despite the panic during the quake, which occurred just before 8 a.m., Taiwan’s preparedness and drills helped mitigate the situation. However, the intensity of the tremors left many residents shaken, with some describing it as the most terrifying experience they’ve had with earthquakes.
No casualties were immediately reported from Hualien, the epicenter of the quake. However, concerns were heightened due to the memory of a deadly quake in 2018 that caused significant destruction.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning after detecting waves along the coast of southern Japanese islands. Though smaller in size, these waves prompted caution, and military reconnaissance flights were dispatched to assess the impact.
Both Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency and the U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake’s magnitude, with subsequent aftershocks causing additional concern. The shallowness of the quake increased the risk of surface damage.
Reports from neighboring countries, including China and the Philippines, indicated that the tremors were felt there as well, although no significant damage was reported.
In light of the quake’s impact, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued advisories but later announced that the threat had largely passed, with waves observed only in Taiwan and southern Japan.
Taiwan’s location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” underscores its susceptibility to seismic activity. As assessments of the damage continue, authorities are emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared in the face of such natural disasters.
