Taiwan Earthquake: 7 Dead, 700+ Injured, Strongest in 25 Yrs
Taiwan is currently in the midst of rescue operations following a powerful earthquake that hit off its east coast on Wednesday, claiming at least four lives.
The 7.4 magnitude quake caused buildings to collapse in Hualien, the nearest city to the epicenter. This was the strongest tremor Taiwan has experienced in 25 years, and its effects were felt even in the mountainous areas with landslides.
Director Wu Chien Fu from Taipei's Seismology Centre described the earthquake as shallow and close to land, causing widespread tremors across Taiwan and its offshore islands.
Sadly, three people lost their lives on a trail around Taroko National Park, while over 50 others have been injured. Some are still trapped in buildings and tunnels around the city, requiring ongoing rescue efforts.
Notably, Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC has evacuated some factories for safety but assures that their safety systems are operational. TSMC produces semiconductors for tech giants like Apple and Nvidia.
The earthquake also triggered tsunami warnings initially, impacting Taiwan and its neighboring countries. The aftermath includes collapsed residential buildings, people evacuated, and significant damage to infrastructure, as seen in local media footage.
With the earthquake hitting at a depth of 15.5km and causing several aftershocks, Hualien's connection to the rest of Taiwan via major roads and rail lines has been severed, requiring rescue teams to access the area by air.
This isn't the first time Taiwan has faced such a disaster; in 1999, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake took 2,400 lives and destroyed thousands of buildings.
Neighboring Japan issued tsunami warnings earlier but later downgraded them, urging residents to remain vigilant. The Philippines also issued and then canceled a tsunami alert for its northern coast.
Chinese state media reported tremors in Fujian province. Internet outages were reported across Taiwan, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.
Amid the chaos, dozens are stuck in tunnels and various locations, including two German citizens in Taroko National Park. In New Taipei City, a factory collapse occurred, fortunately with minimal injuries reported.
Rescue operations face challenges due to unstable buildings. Leaning and collapsed structures in Hualien city illustrate the severity of the situation.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen expressed gratitude for support, especially from Japan and other allies. The President assured timely assistance for affected individuals and emphasized the need for accurate information during aftershocks.
In Japan, airports experienced suspensions but have since resumed operations. Residents are cautioned to remain cautious due to potential aftershocks.
Despite the devastation, there have been heartwarming messages of support between Taiwan and Japan, countries familiar with earthquake challenges, with pledges of assistance and solidarity.
The situation in Taiwan remains tense as rescue efforts persist. Over 120 people are known to be trapped, including 77 inside the Jinwen and Daqinqshui tunnels in Hualien county. Additionally, two German citizens are stuck in the Chongde Tunnel in Taroko National Park. Fifty more individuals are trapped in four minibuses traveling from central Hualien City to Taroko National Park.
Eyewitnesses have shared harrowing experiences. Chiu-yueh Hsu, an office worker, described the chaotic scene as she tried to escape her building. “I immediately hid under my desk, then tried to walk outside,” she said. “But it was so shaky that I could barely walk. I was really scared… Thanks to my colleagues, they dragged me so we could get out.”
The earthquake's impact on structures is evident, with reports of collapsed buildings, leaning structures, and damaged roads. In New Taipei City, a factory building collapse led to a dramatic rescue operation, fortunately with only one reported injury.
The rescue teams face immense challenges due to the unstable nature of many buildings. Su Ching-hui, an official from the local fire department, explained the difficulties, stating, “Whenever our team moves, the building becomes unstable and they have to find something to hold on to ensure their safety before pulling people out.”
The aftermath has also disrupted transportation, with train lines ruptured and airports experiencing suspensions. Naha airport in Japan, for example, faced flight suspensions following tsunami warnings, affecting stranded passengers.
Despite the chaos, there have been heartening gestures of support. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen expressed gratitude for assistance offers, particularly from Japan and other allies. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the global community for their well-wishes and prayers.
The impact of this earthquake is significant, not only in terms of loss of life and injuries but also the disruption to daily life and infrastructure. As the rescue efforts continue and the affected areas assess the extent of the damage, Taiwan and its allies stand together in facing this challenging time.
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