A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck Taiwan on Wednesday, marking the most intense tremor experienced on the island in at least 25 years. The quake resulted in the loss of four lives, injuries to numerous individuals, and prompted a tsunami alert for southern Japan and the Philippines, which was later rescinded.
Taiwan’s authorities confirmed the death toll in the eastern county of Hualien, where the earthquake’s epicenter was located, with over 50 people sustaining injuries. The impact of the quake led to the collapse of at least 26 buildings, primarily in Hualien, leaving approximately 20 individuals trapped as ongoing rescue efforts continue.
Television broadcasts in Taiwan displayed footage of buildings in precarious positions in Hualien, struck by the earthquake just offshore around 8 a.m. local time. The quake, with a depth of 15.5km, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, caused significant tremors, with reports of its intensity felt strongly by residents.
Japan’s meteorological agency reported the occurrence of small tsunami waves in parts of Okinawa Prefecture, subsequently downgrading the tsunami warning to an advisory. The Philippine Seismology Agency also issued warnings for coastal areas, urging residents to seek higher ground.
Taiwan and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued tsunami warnings initially, but later confirmed no significant damage from the potential tsunamis. Despite the passing of the tsunami risk, aftershocks continued to be felt, with over 25 registered by Taiwan’s central weather administration.
Reports indicated that the earthquake’s effects were also felt in China’s Fujian province and Shanghai. However, the Taipei city government reported no major damage, with transportation services, including the MRT, resuming shortly after the tremor.
Taiwan’s electricity operator stated that over 87,000 households were still without power, but the country’s nuclear power stations remained unaffected. The high-speed rail operator reported no damage or injuries on its trains, although delays were expected for inspections.
Major companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co evacuated some facilities as a precautionary measure, but reported no operational disruptions. Stocks of TSMC, Foxconn, and Au Optronics experienced declines in early trading following the earthquake.
The earthquake is recorded as the most significant to hit Taiwan since 1999, when a 7.6 magnitude quake resulted in extensive casualties and damage. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration classified the earthquake as an “Upper 6” intensity in Hualien county, indicating severe effects on structures and individuals.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
