On Wednesday, Taiwan was rocked by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake, marking the island’s most potent tremor in over a quarter-century. The seismic event struck around 8 a.m. local time (8 p.m. Tuesday ET), originating approximately 21 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. The quake’s epicenter was pinpointed about 11 miles south-southwest of Hualien City on the island’s eastern coast, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
The aftermath of the earthquake was marked by tragedy and devastation. Reports confirmed the loss of one life, with over 50 individuals sustaining injuries, as relayed by Taiwan’s fire department via Reuters. The impact on infrastructure was substantial, with dozens of buildings collapsing, primarily concentrated in the eastern county of Hualien, closest to the quake’s epicenter.
Tsunami warnings were swiftly issued following the earthquake, prompting evacuations in Taiwan and Japan. However, these warnings were later lifted, as per the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which declared that the tsunami threat had passed.
The rescue efforts were immediately mobilized, particularly in Hualien, where approximately 20 individuals remained trapped under debris. Social media circulated videos depicting the aftermath, showcasing partially collapsed buildings, some towering structures left at precarious angles.
The earthquake’s effects reverberated across the island, disrupting daily life and infrastructure. Metro systems in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung were suspended, while power outages affected more than 87,000 households. A series of aftershocks followed, the most significant measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration.
Officials noted that this seismic event was Taiwan’s most powerful since 1999 when a 7.6-magnitude earthquake claimed approximately 2,400 lives. Additionally, neighboring regions experienced tremors, with Japan issuing tsunami warnings for coastal areas and parts of the Philippines also under evacuation orders.
The earthquake’s impact was felt beyond Taiwan’s borders, with reports of tremors in Fujian province, China, situated across from Taiwan. The USGS highlighted the intensity of the shaking, particularly in the Hualien area, describing it as “very strong” and strongly felt in other regions.
Taiwan’s geographical location places it within the volatile seismic zone known as the Ring of Fire, characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Basin. As the affected communities grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, concerted efforts are underway to provide assistance, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and bolster resilience against future seismic events.
