In a powerful seismic event described as the most severe in 25 years, a strong earthquake struck the eastern coast of Taiwan, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuring over 700 others.
The quake, with a magnitude of 7.4, caused significant destruction, including the collapse of buildings in the city of Hualien, located near the quake’s epicenter.
Taiwanese television channels broadcasted footage showing the devastation in Hualien, with reports indicating that some residents were trapped beneath rubble.
According to Reuters, the tremors were felt in distant areas, including Shanghai, China.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was off the eastern coast of Hualien County, in the waters facing the island’s eastern shoreline.
The undersea quake occurred just before 00:00 GMT, with its strength varying according to different seismic monitoring agencies. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the magnitude at 7.4 on the Richter scale.
This seismic activity prompted tsunami warnings in Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. However, Tokyo later downgraded the alert level to minor, and Manila completely lifted the warning. By 10:03 (2:03 GMT), the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced that the threat of a tsunami had largely subsided. Despite this, the center advised coastal residents to remain vigilant.
At approximately 10:14, Taiwanese authorities issued a warning message to the population, informing them that the tsunami generated by the earthquake was gradually reaching Taiwan’s coast.
Residents in coastal areas were urged to exercise caution, take strict precautions, and be aware of the risks associated with sudden increases in wave heights.
In Hualien, the city closest to the quake’s epicenter, a fire department official reported the collapse of two buildings, raising concerns that people might be trapped inside.
“We don’t have more information at this time,” the official stated. During a televised press conference, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency revealed that a total of 26 buildings had either tilted or collapsed due to the earthquake, without specifying their exact locations.
This devastating event underscores the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid response to mitigate the impact of such catastrophic events.
