An earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, causing devastation and claiming the lives of four people while injuring dozens more. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5 according to the U.S. Geological Survey and 7.7 according to Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency, struck the mountainous, sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien.
The aftermath of the earthquake saw at least 26 buildings collapse, with more than half of them in the city of Hualien. Rescue efforts are ongoing as approximately 20 people remain trapped in the rubble. Images and videos on social media showed buildings shaken off their foundations, with one five-story building in Hualien heavily damaged, leaving it leaning at a 45-degree angle.
The impact of the earthquake was felt as far away as Kinmen, a Taiwanese-controlled island off the coast of China. Additionally, a brief tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas of southwestern Japan, with waves reaching heights of over 9 feet in some areas.
Train services across Taiwan were suspended, but in the capital city of Taipei, the morning commute appeared normal despite tiles falling from older buildings and within newer office complexes.
While initial concerns were raised about the possibility of a tsunami affecting the West Coast states of the U.S., including California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as Alaska and British Columbia in Canada, authorities later confirmed that no tsunami threat existed.
This earthquake is believed to be the most significant in Taiwan since 1999, highlighting the country’s position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent seismic activity. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such events.
