Taiwan Quake: 7.2 Magnitude, Buildings Collapse, Tsunami Alert
On April 3, Taiwan experienced a significant earthquake that rattled the entire island, leading to collapsed buildings and widespread concern. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2 according to Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency, and estimated at 7.5 by the US Geological Survey, prompted authorities in , Japan, and the Philippines to issue tsunami warnings and evacuation advisories for coastal areas.
The aftermath of the quake saw tragic consequences, with at least four people confirmed dead and close to 60 injured. Among the casualties were three individuals who were crushed to death by boulders while hiking in the hills near the city.
According to Wu Chien-fu, the head of Taipei’s Seismology Centre, this earthquake marked the strongest tremor experienced in Taiwan in the past 25 years, since the devastating 1999 earthquake that claimed thousands of lives. The quake’s proximity to land and its shallow depth amplified its impact, causing widespread tremors felt not only in Japan but also reaching as far as Shanghai in China.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and destruction, with buildings in Taiwan’s eastern city of Hualien shaken from their foundations. Reports indicated that over 26 buildings collapsed, primarily in Hualien, where rescue efforts were underway to save approximately 20 trapped individuals. Additionally, the eastern coast of Taiwan faced numerous rockslides and landslides, exacerbating the damage caused by the quake.
Despite the widespread destruction, there were some positive reports amidst the chaos. The Taipei city government stated that no major damage had been reported in the capital, and essential services like the Taipei City’s MRT and the country’s high-speed rail remained operational, albeit with delays for safety inspections. Furthermore, the Southern Taiwan Science Park, home to critical semiconductor manufacturing facilities, reported minimal disruption to operations.
In summary, the earthquake in Taiwan on April 3 left a trail of devastation, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. However, swift response efforts and resilient infrastructure mitigated some of the worst outcomes, underscoring the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
