Taiwan experienced its most powerful earthquake in 25 years, resulting in the death of 9 people and injuring hundreds. The magnitude-7.4 quake was followed by over 200 aftershocks, trapping dozens of people and causing two buildings in the city of Hualien to teeter dangerously.
Details of the Earthquake
The initial quake was a powerful rumble that lasted for more than a minute on Wednesday morning, causing belongings and even entire buildings to be knocked askew. The quake was so strong that it triggered tsunami warnings in Japan, China, and the Philippines.
Even in a region accustomed to earthquakes, the jolt of aftershock after aftershock was startling, occurring every few minutes throughout the day. The magnitude-7.4 quake resulted in the death of nine people and injured at least 1,038 others, testing an expert quake response system that has served as a model in other places.
In Hualien County, close to the epicenter, 93 people were stranded as of Thursday morning, including dozens of cement factory workers in two rock quarries, according to officials. Forty flights were canceled or delayed. Around 14,000 households were without water, and 1,000 households were without power.
Aftershocks and Future Concerns
By late Wednesday evening, 201 aftershocks had been reported, many over magnitude 5. With rain expected in the coming days, authorities warned of possible landslides.
Chen Hsing-yun, a 26-year-old resident of Hualien, was with her 2-year-old child and her parents in a third-story apartment when the quake struck. “I was sleeping at home when the shaking started, and it kept shaking and shaking for so long,” she said. “After the main earthquake stopped I went downstairs with my baby — but then the tremors kept coming all day.”
As Taiwan continues to recover from this devastating earthquake, the world watches and offers support. The resilience of the Taiwanese people is evident as they navigate through this challenging time.
