Taiwan Tremors: 4 Lives Lost, 60 Wounded in Decades-Strong Quake
A powerful earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, claiming at least four lives and injuring nearly 60 people. The quake, the strongest in decades, caused widespread damage to buildings and triggered tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines, though these were later lifted.
Officials warned of potential aftershocks in the coming days.
The earthquake struck just before 8:00 am local time with its epicenter south of Hualien City. Tragically, three hikers were crushed by falling boulders, and a truck driver died in a landslide.
Social media was flooded with videos showing buildings swaying violently during the quake.
President Tsai Ing-wen urged coordinated efforts between local and central government agencies, with the national army on standby to provide support.
While Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines faced tsunami warnings initially, these were later lifted. Reports of tremors were felt as far as China’s Fujian province and Hong Kong.
China expressed readiness to provide assistance despite ongoing political tensions with Taiwan.
The earthquake briefly disrupted operations at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and halted construction activities at various sites.
The region’s history of seismic disasters, notably Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami, serves as a reminder of the potential devastation from such events.