A powerful earthquake struck off Taiwan’s east coast on Wednesday, resulting in at least four fatalities and prompting rescue operations in the affected areas.
The 7.4 magnitude quake caused numerous buildings to collapse in Hualien, the city closest to the epicentre. It was the strongest tremor to hit the island in 25 years, with its effects felt as far as Taiwan’s mountainous interior, causing significant landslides.
In Taipei, the capital, buildings were seen shaking violently, and footage showed collapsed residential buildings and people being evacuated from their homes and schools.
The National Fire Agency reported three deaths at a trail around Taroko National Park, near Hualien, and more than 50 injuries, with some individuals trapped in buildings and tunnels in the city.
BREAKING NEWS from #Taiwan
It’s shocking incident, happened in Taiwan ! See the Skyscraper condition!#Japan #earthquake #Tsunami pic.twitter.com/84ORKzM71V
— P.O. Chidubem (@paschalisdube) April 3, 2024
Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC evacuated some of its factories in Hsinchu and southern Taiwan for safety reasons, although it noted that its safety systems were functioning normally. TSMC is a major producer of semiconductors for tech companies like Apple and Nvidia.
The earthquake initially triggered tsunami warnings in Taiwan and neighboring countries. Power cuts and internet outages were reported across the island.
The quake struck at 07:58 local time (23:58 GMT) at a depth of 15.5km and was followed by at least nine aftershocks of magnitude 4 or larger. The epicentre was located about 18km (11 miles) south of Hualien.
Rescue efforts are challenging due to the region’s mountainous terrain and the major roads and rail lines connecting Hualien to the rest of Taiwan being disrupted. In September 1999, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Taiwan resulted in 2,400 deaths and the destruction of 5,000 buildings.
Taiwan was struck by its strongest earthquake in 25 years few minutes ago when a 7.4 magnitude tremor struck the island’s eastern coast, prompting tsunami warnings across the region.
A rooftop swimming pool during the Taiwan earthquake.pic.twitter.com/mepqSLuCIM
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) April 3, 2024