A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s eastern region around 8 am local time on Wednesday, April 3, triggering tsunami alerts for the island and parts of southern Japan. The Philippines also issued a tsunami warning, urging coastal area evacuations following the seismic activity in Taiwan. Tragically, Taiwan’s fire department reported one fatality due to suspected rockfall in the mountainous, sparsely populated Hualien county, where the quake’s epicenter was located, with over 50 individuals injured.
Reports indicate at least 26 buildings collapsed, with over half in Hualien. Approximately 20 people remain trapped, prompting ongoing rescue efforts in the area.
While the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake as 7.4 magnitudes, with its epicentre situated 18 kilometers south of Hualien City at a depth of 34.8 kilometers, Japan’s Meteorological Agency measured it at 7.7 magnitudes.
The director of Taipei’s Seismology Centre remarked that the earthquake was the most intense in 25 years. Wu Chien-fu stated, “The earthquake is close to land and shallow. It’s felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands… it’s the strongest in 25 years since the (1999) earthquake.” He referenced the devastating September 1999 earthquake, which measured 7.6 magnitude and claimed 2,400 lives.
Structural damage was evident in Hualien, with a five-story building sustaining severe damage, including the collapse of its first floor and tilting at a 45-degree angle. In the capital, Taipei, reports emerged of tiles falling from older buildings and some newer office complexes sustaining damage.
The earthquake underscores the vulnerability of Taiwan to seismic activity, given its location near tectonic plate boundaries. Authorities are working tirelessly to assess the damage’s extent and assist affected areas. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
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