An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit Taiwan's eastern coast on April 3, resulting in widespread destruction, including the collapse of buildings, landslides, and at least one fatality. This incident marks the most significant seismic event to affect the island since 1999.
The tremor, recorded at 7:58 a.m (GMT+8) was centered 18 kilometers south of Hualien city at a depth of 34.8 kilometers, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The earthquake led to several strong aftershocks, with tremors felt throughout the island, including in Taipei. Taiwan's National Fire Agency confirmed one casualty, a hiker in Hualien, with further assessments of injuries and damages underway.
Extensive damage was reported across Hualien County, where numerous buildings collapsed, leaving people trapped under debris. The quake disrupted utilities, leaving thousands of households without electricity and causing the closure of a major highway along the East Coast due to rockfalls and landslides. The Central Weather Administration issued warnings for potential aftershocks, possibly reaching up to magnitude 7, expected to continue through the end of the week.
Initial tsunami warnings were issued for Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines, leading to minor coastal waves and the suspension of flights. These warnings have since been lifted, although the impact prompted immediate responses from the military for disaster relief efforts and led to the suspension of activities in schools and workplaces.
President Tsai Ing-wen directed her administration to promptly assess the situation and coordinate with local governments to offer necessary assistance and mitigate the disaster's impact.
Taiwan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is no stranger to seismic activities, with Wednesday's quake being the strongest since the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in 1999, which resulted in significant loss of life and injuries.
The Central Emergency Command Center (CEOC) reported the collapse of at least 26 buildings, with ongoing rescue efforts for those trapped. Over 91,000 households are currently experiencing power outages, with efforts underway to restore electricity. The quake caused notable damage to infrastructure, including highways affected by landslides and rockfalls, with several vehicles damaged and passengers injured.
The earthquake triggered tsunami alerts across the region, with advisories in Taiwan recommending evacuation to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued alerts for southern Japanese islands, with observed tsunamis marking significant events for the area. Although the tsunami threat has largely passed, coastal areas remain vigilant.
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