Taiwan Hit by Strongest Quake in 25 Years

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan on Wednesday, marking the strongest tremor to hit the island in at least 25 years. The quake resulted in the unfortunate loss of four lives, with dozens of people injured. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued for southern Japan and the Philippines, but it was later lifted.

Impact on Hualien County

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the mountainous and sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien. The Taiwanese government confirmed that four people lost their lives in this region, while over 50 individuals sustained injuries. The earthquake caused significant damage, with at least 26 buildings collapsing, more than half of which were in Hualien.

Rescue Efforts and Aftermath

Despite the devastation, there were some successful rescue efforts. In one of the worst-hit buildings, 22 people were rescued, leaving only one person missing. Taiwan television stations broadcasted footage of buildings tilting dangerously in Hualien, where the earthquake struck just offshore at 8 am. The quake had a depth of 15.5 km.

Rescuers were seen using ladders to help people escape through windows. Additionally, massive landslides caused by the tremors were observed, resulting in significant damage to hillsides. In Japan, several small tsunami waves reached parts of the southern prefecture of Okinawa. However, the earlier tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory, with the earthquake’s magnitude revised to 7.7 by Japan’s weather agency.

The impact of this earthquake serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity and the importance of preparedness in vulnerable regions.