A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan, causing death and destruction in its wake. Nine people lost their lives, and over 1,000 were injured as buildings leaned at severe angles and ground floors were crushed in Hualien County. Rescuers worked tirelessly to locate and free those trapped in the aftermath of the quake. The quake struck during rush hour, catching many residents off guard and causing widespread panic. The devastation was felt not only in Hualien but also in the capital city of Taipei, where older buildings saw tiles falling and schools evacuated students to sports fields.
The impact of the earthquake extended beyond just the loss of life and injuries, as landslides, damaged roads, bridges, and tunnels disrupted transportation and communication networks. The national legislature and sections of the main airport in Taoyuan sustained minor damage. Despite Taiwan’s preparedness for earthquakes, the severity of this one caught authorities off guard, as they had not issued any alerts expecting a milder quake. The quake, reported as 7.2 magnitude by Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency and 7.4 by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck off the coast of Hualien, causing multiple aftershocks and triggering a brief tsunami warning.
The aftermath of the earthquake saw residents assisting each other, with neighbors and rescue workers helping people trapped in damaged buildings. The community came together to rescue those in need, even as infrastructure and essential services were being restored. Hualien Mayor Hsu Chen-wei reported damage to 48 residential buildings in the city, with ongoing efforts to restore water and electricity supplies. Train services were suspended across the island, with tracks twisted by the quake’s stress, and traffic along the east coast came to a standstill due to landslides and debris.
The earthquake had rippling effects beyond Taiwan, as it was felt in Shanghai and several provinces along China’s southeastern coast. Even Japan experienced a tsunami of 30 centimeters on its coast, with smaller waves hitting other islands. Taiwan’s location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it prone to seismic activity, with Hualien having experienced deadly quakes in the past. The economic impact of the quake, particularly on Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, where disruptions in the supply chain could lead to financial losses, is yet to be fully assessed. Despite the tragedy, the island nation demonstrated resilience and preparedness, with the community coming together to support one another in the face of adversity.
