A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale jolted Taiwan’s eastern region just before 8 am local time on Wednesday, April 3, triggering tsunami warnings for Taiwan and parts of southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter was located in the mountainous, sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien, leading to reports of casualties and significant structural damage.
According to Taiwan’s fire department, four individuals are suspected to have been crushed to death by falling rocks, with over 50 people sustaining injuries. The earthquake resulted in the collapse of at least 26 buildings, predominantly in Hualien, leaving approximately 20 individuals trapped under rubble as rescue efforts continue.
Differing assessments of the earthquake’s magnitude were reported by different agencies. While the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude of 7.4, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) estimated it to be 7.7, emphasizing the severity of the seismic activity.
Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei’s Seismology Centre, described the earthquake as the strongest in 25 years, reminiscent of the devastating 1999 quake that claimed thousands of lives. The tremors were felt across Taiwan and its offshore islands, causing damage to infrastructure and prompting precautionary measures.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued for remote Japanese islands, including Miyakojima island, prompting urgent evacuation orders. While there were reports of vessels heading out to sea in the Okinawa region to safeguard against potential tsunami waves, train and subway services were temporarily suspended across Taiwan.
Despite the initial chaos, life in Taipei swiftly resumed to normalcy, with children attending school and commuters returning to their routines. However, aftershocks continued to rattle the region, serving as a stark reminder of the seismic vulnerability faced by Taiwan and neighboring Japan.
The earthquake serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters, with both Taiwan and Japan experiencing frequent seismic activity throughout the year. As rescue operations continue and communities strive to recover from the devastation, the resilience and preparedness of the affected regions will be tested once again in the face of adversity.
