Taiwan was struck by a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.2 magnitude on the Richter scale, on Wednesday, shaking the island with the most intense seismic activity it has witnessed in the past 25 years. The quake, which hit just before 9:00 am local time, left a grim toll of four dead and dozens injured, as buildings swayed and crumbled under the force of the tremors.
The epicenter of the earthquake was pinpointed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to be 18 kilometers south of Hualien City in Taiwan, with a depth of 34.8 kilometers. The impact rippled across the region, with tremors felt as far as China’s Fujian province and Shanghai.
Authorities scrambled to respond to the crisis, issuing tsunami alerts for the southern Japanese islands and the Philippines. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings of potential tsunami waves, with estimates suggesting heights of up to three meters (10 feet) in areas close to Taiwan, such as Miyakojima island. However, both Japan and the Philippines later withdrew their tsunami warnings after assessing the situation.
In Taiwan, while a tsunami warning was also issued, fortunately, no significant damage from the waves was reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii confirmed that the risk of destructive tsunami waves had largely passed.
Despite the fortunate outcome regarding the tsunami threat, the earthquake left a trail of devastation in its wake. In the sparsely populated area of Hualien, a five-story building suffered extensive damage, with its first floor collapsing and the remaining structure tilting precariously at a 45-degree angle. Meanwhile, in the capital city Taipei, older buildings experienced structural damage, and newer office complexes were not spared from the impact either, with reports of falling tiles and minor collapses.
The transportation sector was also affected by the earthquake, with flights suspended at Naha Airport, the main airport in Japan’s southern region of Okinawa. Operations were halted as a precautionary measure, with incoming flights diverted to alternative routes to ensure passenger safety.
This seismic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness in vulnerable regions. Authorities in Taiwan and neighboring countries continue to assess the damage and provide support to affected communities as they begin the daunting task of rebuilding and recovery.
The resilience of the people in the face of adversity shines through as communities come together to support one another in the aftermath of this tragic event. As the region works towards recovery, the lessons learned from this earthquake will undoubtedly inform future efforts to strengthen infrastru
