The Uranus building in Hualien’s main city has become a symbol of the earthquake as it now tilts at a 45-degree angle. For 59-year-old Chen Hsiu-ying, the building was her home, and she narrowly escaped being inside during the quake. She described feeling the road and food vendors shake during the event, leaving her hands still trembling. Chen expressed her desire to retrieve her belongings, including a photo of her mother, from the damaged building.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, more than a dozen people chose to return to their homes while others, especially those with children, remained in tents. One individual, Hendri, mentioned that he hoped Thursday would be the last day for his family at the shelter. He planned to check with the staff about the safety of returning home as they had previously advised against it due to the building’s instability.
Workers in Hualien were seen pouring concrete at the base of the Uranus building, attempting to stabilize it in its tilted position. The damaged structure serves as a reminder of the destructive force of the earthquake that struck the area. Chen’s experience of witnessing the quake for the first time left her anxious about retrieving her belongings from the skewed building, highlighting the emotional toll that the disaster has taken on residents.
Despite the ongoing efforts to secure the Uranus building, the damage caused by the earthquake has left many feeling unsettled and anxious. Families like Hendri’s are eager to return home but are cautious about the safety of their buildings. As residents navigate the aftermath of the quake, they continue to grapple with the physical and emotional challenges posed by the destruction and instability in the area.
The earthquake in Hualien has not only caused physical damage to buildings like the Uranus building but has also left a lasting impact on the residents of the city. Chen’s experience of narrowly avoiding being inside the building during the quake underscores the sense of vulnerability felt by many in the community. The ongoing uncertainty about the safety of returning home has added to the stress and anxiety experienced by families affected by the disaster.
As residents like Chen and Hendri work to recover and rebuild their lives in the wake of the earthquake, the tilted buildings in Hualien stand as a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. The efforts of workers to stabilize the damaged structures reflect the resilience and determination of the community to overcome the challenges they face. While the physical damage may eventually be repaired, the emotional impact of the earthquake will continue to linger, shaping the way residents view their homes and their sense of security in the future.
