A powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of Taiwan, shaking the entire island and causing buildings to collapse in at least one town. The earthquake, which occurred at 7:58 am local time, was initially reported with a magnitude of 7.2 by Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency, while the US Geological Survey recorded it at 7.5. The epicenter of the quake was located 25 kilometers southeast of Hualien, a popular tourist city on Taiwan’s eastern coast.
7.2 earthquake in Taiwan ….
byu/Capital-Broccoli-669 intaiwan
The impact of the earthquake has been significant, with reports of collapsed buildings and infrastructure damage in Hualien. Images from the affected areas show buildings shaken off their foundations, while videos on social media depict scenes of rescue efforts and people being pulled from the rubble. Tragically, at least seven people have been confirmed dead, and more than 700 others have been injured, with dozens still trapped under debris.
The quake also prompted tsunami warnings and advisories in neighboring regions, including southern Japan and the Philippines. Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the southern Japanese island group of Okinawa, forecasting waves of up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) in some areas. A 30-centimeter tsunami was reported to have reached Yonaguni Island at 9:18 am local time.
In response to the earthquake, Taiwan’s government has activated emergency response measures, including the establishment of a Central Disaster Response Center. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for survivors and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. Schools and workplaces in the affected areas have been closed, and transportation services, including train lines and Taipei’s metro system, have been temporarily suspended for safety inspections.
The impact of the earthquake has also been felt beyond Taiwan’s borders. Reports indicate that the quake was felt as far away as Shanghai, China, highlighting the widespread effects of seismic activity in the region. The Philippines’ seismology agency issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean, advising residents to evacuate to higher ground or inland areas.
The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic risks faced by countries in the Asia-Pacific region, where tectonic plate movements often result in earthquakes and tsunamis. Taiwan, located near the junction of two tectonic plates, experiences frequent seismic activity, with the last major earthquake occurring in 1999, claiming thousands of lives. Similarly, Japan, prone to earthquakes due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, has implemented stringent building regulations and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of seismic events.
As rescue and relief efforts continue in Taiwan and neighboring regions, authorities emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and following safety protocols. With aftershocks expected in the coming days, communities are urged to stay informed and prepared for any further seismic activity. The solidarity and swift response of emergency services and international support are crucial in mitigating the impact of natural disasters and aiding affected communities on the road to recovery.
