An earthquake of magnitude 7.5 rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse in a southern city and prompting a brief tsunami warning for southern Japanese islands. In Hualien, a five-story building was heavily damaged, with its first floor collapsing and the rest of the building leaning at a 45-degree angle. In the capital of Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings and some newer office complexes were also affected. The effects of the earthquake were felt in other areas as well, with reports of shaking in Kinmen, a Taiwanese-controlled island off the coast of China.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the quake as a 7.5, while Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency gave it a magnitude of 7.2. The full extent of damage and casualties was not immediately available, with train service across the island suspended. In Taipei, however, the morning commute appeared to be normal and children were seen going to school. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center reviewed the earthquake to determine if there was a tsunami threat to the West Coast states of the U.S. and Canada, ultimately determining that no tsunami was expected.
Taiwan is located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its seismic activity. This earthquake is believed to be the largest in Taiwan since 1999, when a major temblor caused extensive damage across the island. Video and images shared on social media showed the intensity of the shaking, with buildings visibly swaying and some structures collapsing completely. Despite the significant impact, life seemed to be returning to normal in most areas after the initial shock of the earthquake.
As news of the earthquake spread, concerns were raised about the potential for aftershocks and further damage. The response to the earthquake focused on ensuring the safety of residents and assessing the extent of the destruction. With Taiwan’s history of earthquakes and its location in a seismically active region, the government and emergency services were prepared to address the immediate aftermath and provide assistance to those affected. In the coming days and weeks, the focus will likely shift to recovery and rebuilding efforts as the community works to recover from the impact of this natural disaster.
