On Wednesday, Taiwan experienced its strongest earthquake in 25 years, leaving residents with harrowing experiences as rocks tumbled onto roadways, homes collapsed around them, and people had to wait to be rescued from the rubble. The quake killed at least 12 people and injured over 1,000, with several hundred remaining stranded due to damaged highways and cracked structures. The epicenter was off the coast of eastern Hualien County, a rural area known for frequent earthquakes and tsunamis.
Survivors shared their stories of the disaster, including Liu Zhong-da, a road maintenance worker who found himself trapped in a tunnel with a colleague after a rockslide blocked the entrance. Despite the terrifying experience, Liu was grateful for the tunnel’s sturdy structure that protected them from falling rocks. Huang Hsiao-en, a Hualien resident and college student, described the shaking as furniture and household items fell around her, leaving her feeling anxious and bewildered by the severity of the earthquake.
David Chen, an employee of a hotel in the area, described being trapped in a road tunnel with other coworkers and having to rely on the supplies they had on hand to survive the ordeal. After watching rescue workers use various machines to clear the tunnel, Chen expressed his gratitude for their efforts and the relief he felt at being saved. The earthquake has left many residents in shock and disbelief at the extent of the damage and the challenges they face in the aftermath.
The earthquake, initially reported as 7.2 magnitude by Taiwan’s monitoring agency, was later recorded as 7.4 by the U.S. Geological Survey. The disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity and the importance of preparedness and response measures in the face of such events. Despite the devastation and loss, the spirit of resilience and gratitude among survivors shines through as they recount their experiences and express their appreciation for the efforts of rescuers and those who came to their aid. Taiwan faces a long road to recovery, but the strength and courage of its people will guide them through this challenging time.
