A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan during the morning commute on Wednesday, marking the strongest quake to hit the island in 25 years. The earthquake initially sparked tsunami warnings for China, Japan, and the Philippines, but those alerts were later lifted. With over 100 aftershocks recorded and more expected in the coming days, here’s what we know about the earthquake and its aftermath.
The death toll from the earthquake stands at nine people, with more than 880 others injured and 131 individuals trapped, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Among the casualties were three hikers who were struck by falling rocks in Taroko National Park.
The heaviest damage was reported in Hualien County on the east coast, near the epicenter of the quake. Buildings in the city of Hualien suffered significant damage, with several structures tilting and collapsing. The quake was felt across Taiwan, causing disruptions in transportation and power outages for over 360,000 households.
Taiwan’s level of preparedness for earthquakes has been honed over the years, with improvements in early warning systems and building codes. The country established urban search-and-rescue teams and emergency medical centers following past disasters, such as the devastating earthquake in 1999 that claimed nearly 2,500 lives.
Taiwan’s susceptibility to earthquakes is attributed to its location near active faults and the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for high seismic and volcanic activity. Despite the challenges posed by frequent earthquakes, Taiwan continues to enhance its disaster response measures to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters.
