A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, with a depth of about 21 miles. The quake occurred near Hualien City, causing some buildings to collapse and trapping people, according to media reports. Taiwan television stations showed footage of the damaged buildings in the eastern county of Hualien. Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for Okinawa, but later downgraded them to an advisory. The Tsunami Warning Center in the U.S. warned of a tsunami threat of up to 1 meter for Japan and 1 to 3 meters for Taiwan, with the Philippines also expected to receive tsunami waves.
There was no tsunami threat in New Zealand or the U.S. Pacific coast following the earthquake in Taiwan. Taiwan’s meteorological agency listed the magnitude of the earthquake at 7.2, with subsequent smaller earthquakes of magnitudes 6.5, 5.7, and 5.5 occurring in the area. The USGS stated that the initial quake would have been “very strong” in the Hualien area and strongly felt elsewhere. Witnesses reported feeling the earthquake in Shanghai and Fujian province, China. A live camera near Hualien showed the violent shaking caused by the earthquake.
Hualien City, with a population of around 106,000, is located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, approximately 70 miles southeast of the capital, Taipei. The city experienced the strong shaking from the earthquake, which is not uncommon for Taiwan due to its location on the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is an area in the Pacific Basin known for its seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Taiwan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is a result of its location in this tectonically active region.
Efforts were underway to assess the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake in Hualien and to rescue those trapped in collapsed buildings. Rescue teams were dispatched to the affected areas to provide assistance to those in need. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and swift response in the face of natural disasters. Taiwan, along with other countries in the Pacific Basin, will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as needed.
