Taiwan Has Biggest Earthquake In 25 Years

(Scypre.com) – In a tragic turn of events, Taiwan faced its most severe earthquake in over two decades early on Wednesday, prompting a frantic rescue operation for those caught in its aftermath. The quake, measuring a powerful 7.4 on the Richter scale, struck near Hualien city on the island’s east coast, causing widespread destruction, casualties, and leaving many injured or trapped under debris.

The United States Geological Survey pinpointed the quake’s origin 11 miles south of Hualien city, occurring at a depth of 21 miles. The tremor was so potent that it was felt across Taiwan, even in the capital, Taipei, shaking buildings and rattling the nerves of residents. Following the initial quake, Taiwan experienced a series of strong aftershocks, heightening the sense of panic among the population.

Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA) reported a distressing toll: nine fatalities and over 900 injuries. The disaster trapped scores of individuals in various locations, including highway tunnels, adding to the urgency of rescue operations. As efforts continued, 75 people had been rescued from Hualien County’s tunnels, though more than a hundred remained trapped, awaiting aid.

The quake did not spare even tourists and foreign nationals. Among those affected were employees of the Silk’s Place Hotel Taroko and two German citizens, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster. The NFA confirmed all fatalities occurred in Hualien County, with falling rocks in Taroko Gorge and near a highway tunnel accounting for some of the deaths.

Infrastructure suffered significantly, with reports of collapsed buildings, thousands of homes without electricity, and major highways obstructed by landslides and rockfalls. The Jinwen Tunnel, where 60 people found themselves trapped, exemplified the quake’s impact on Taiwan’s transportation network.

Authorities and rescue teams mobilized quickly, with Taiwan’s military assisting in relief efforts. The quake led to the suspension of schools, workplaces, and flights, as Taiwan, a country familiar with seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, faced one of its most challenging natural disasters.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen called for swift action to mitigate the disaster’s effects, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Meanwhile, the Central Weather Administration issued warnings of possible strong aftershocks, adding to the populace’s anxiety.

The quake’s timing during the morning rush hour magnified its impact, with dramatic footage capturing the moment the tremor hit, shaking highways and buildings, and causing widespread panic among the citizens. The aftermath saw a concerted effort to rescue those trapped, restore utilities, and assess the full extent of the damage.

The international community watched closely as Taiwan grappled with this catastrophe, reminding many of the island’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the resilience of its people in the face of adversity.