Deadly Earthquake Strikes Taiwan: 7 Killed, Over 700 Injured

In Short

• 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan, kills 7 people and injures over 700
• Earthquake triggers tsunami in Japan’s Yonaguni Island
• 26 buildings collapse in Taiwan, rescue operations underway

Taiwan was rocked by a devastating earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale on Wednesday, marking the strongest seismic event to hit the island nation in a quarter of a century.

The powerful quake claimed at least seven lives and left over 700 individuals wounded. Adding to the chaos, the earthquake triggered a tsunami off Japan’s Yonaguni Island.

The tremor’s epicenter was reported in Hualien county, where four fatalities were confirmed by the Taiwanese government. Rescue operations are underway as about 20 individuals remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Shockingly, over two dozen structures have crumbled due to the quake’s intensity, with the majority located in Hualien county.

Although the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.4, Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency noted a slightly lower measurement of 7.2 on the Richter scale.

The quake struck at 7:58 am local time, approximately 18 km south-southwest of Hualien, with a depth of about 35 km. A series of aftershocks ensued, including one measuring 6.5 magnitude.

The impact of the earthquake was palpable across Taiwan, as train services were suspended and reports emerged of structural damages in Taipei.

A five-storey building in Hualien dramatically tilted to a 45-degree angle, captivating social media with viral videos of its precarious state. Additionally, the national legislature and numerous households experienced power outages.

Meanwhile, Japan braced for potential tsunami waves following the seismic activity in Taiwan. A small tsunami wave, approximately 1 foot in height, was detected on Yonaguni Island shortly after the earthquake struck.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning for Okinawa prefecture, anticipating waves up to 3 meters along the southwestern coast.

While Japan’s Self-Defense Force mobilized aircraft and prepared evacuation shelters, Japan Airlines diverted flights and suspended operations in Okinawa and Kagoshima regions.

Despite the earthquake’s magnitude of 7.7, no significant damage was reported in Japan, prompting the downgrade of the tsunami warning to an advisory.

In contrast, mainland China remained unaffected by tsunami threats, and no warnings were issued for Hawaii or Guam by the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

However, the Philippines took precautionary measures, issuing a tsunami warning for coastal areas and urging residents to seek higher ground.

As Taiwan and neighboring regions grapple with the aftermath of this catastrophic event, emergency response efforts continue while communities brace for potential aftershocks and further impacts.