Taiwan experienced its strongest earthquake in 25 years, causing damage to buildings and creating a tsunami that hit southern Japanese islands. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. Buildings in Hualien near the epicenter were heavily damaged, with a five-story building collapsing its first floor. Transportation services across the island were suspended, and traffic along the east coast was severely impacted by landslides and falling debris.
Despite the earthquake occurring during the morning rush hour, the initial panic quickly subsided as Taiwan is accustomed to seismic activity and regularly conducts drills in preparation. However, some residents reported intense shaking that caused fear. The earthquake struck near the city of Hualien, the site of a deadly quake in 2018, as well as the location of Taiwan’s worst earthquake in recent history in 1999. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a tsunami of about 1 foot hitting Yonaguni island, with smaller waves reaching other islands in Japan.
The magnitude of the earthquake was reported differently by Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency (7.2) and the U.S. Geological Survey (7.4). Multiple aftershocks followed, with one registering at 6.5 magnitude. The earthquake was felt in parts of China and caused violent shaking in China’s Fujian province. In the Philippines, residents along the northern coast were advised to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary reassured residents in Okinawa to stay on high ground until all tsunami advisories were lifted.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat to Hawaii or Guam, and after three hours, the tsunami threat had largely passed with waves reported only in Taiwan and southern Japan. Taiwan is located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for seismic activity. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the constant threat of earthquakes in the region and the necessary precautions that must be taken to ensure safety.
