Impact of Major Earthquake in Taiwan
In a video footage by TVBS, residents rescued a child from a partially collapsed building in Hualien, Taiwan. The earthquake struck during the morning rush hour, causing building collapses and triggering tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.4, making it the strongest quake since 1999. Strong shaking was felt in Taipei, about 100 miles away, with aftershocks lasting for two hours. Reports indicated that people in Shanghai, 500 miles to the north, could also feel the quake.
Extent of Damage and Response
Images showed extensive damage in Hualien, with buildings leaning and off their foundations. Work and school were suspended, and eight power plants were shut down for safety. TSMC, a leading microchip maker, evacuated production lines. Train and subway services were suspended island-wide, and videos from the epicenter revealed rockslides and houses knocked off-kilter. A tsunami warning in Japan was later lifted, with waves detected on the coast of Yonaguni island.
Regional Impact and Historical Context
The earthquake’s impact extended to southern Japanese islands and the Philippines. The last major quake in Taiwan was the 1999 “Jiji” earthquake, which caused significant destruction and casualties. Residents in coastal areas were advised to move to higher ground or inland. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
