7.4 magnitude quake hits Taiwan, strongest in 25 years
On Wednesday, Taiwan experienced its most powerful earthquake in 25 years as a 7.4 magnitude tremor hit the eastern coast of the island.
The seismic event resulted in the collapse of buildings, claiming the lives of at least four individuals and prompting tsunami warnings throughout the region. However, these warnings were subsequently lifted after assessment
Three people who died in Taiwan earthquake were hiking in Taroko Gorge
According to the National Fire Agency (NFA), three of the four fatalities resulting from Taiwan's most powerful earthquake in 25 years occurred while individuals were hiking in Taroko Gorge, a popular tourist spot. The victims were struck by rocks while trekking the Dekalun Trail within the gorge, known for its stunning natural scenery of marble cliffs.
The fourth casualty was a truck driver hit by falling rocks near a tunnel on the Suhua Highway, a major roadway along Taiwan's eastern coast severely impacted by the quake. Reports indicate that a section of the highway outside the tunnel had collapsed, leading to its complete closure in the aftermath of the earthquake.
77 people trapped and 700 injured across Taiwan after powerful earthquake
The National Fire Agency (NFA) reports that at least 77 individuals are trapped in various locations across Taiwan following a powerful earthquake that struck the island's eastern coast. While authorities have not provided specific details about the condition of those trapped, they have confirmed that rescue efforts are actively ongoing.
The earthquake, measuring 7.4 magnitude, has resulted in the deaths of four people and left over 700 others injured, according to the NFA. Among the injured, 132 individuals are located in Hualien County, near the epicenter of the quake.
The situation underscores the urgency of rescue operations as responders work to reach and assist those who are trapped or injured. The widespread impact of the earthquake highlights the need for coordinated efforts to provide aid and support to affected communities across Taiwan.
The issuance of tsunami warnings led to the suspension of flights by airlines and closure of airports as a precautionary measure. However, operations resumed later once authorities deemed it safe to do so.
The earthquake's impact underscores the significant disruption and devastation caused by natural disasters, highlighting the importance of preparedness and response efforts to mitigate their effects on communities. The lifting of tsunami warnings and resumption of flights offer a semblance of normalcy amidst the aftermath, as recovery and rebuilding efforts begin in affected areas.
More than 100 buildings damaged in Taiwan following earthquake
According to the National Fire Agency (NFA), the powerful tremors that shook Taiwan on Wednesday morning caused damage to a total of 125 buildings across the island. Local officials have noted that approximately half of these damaged structures are located in Hualien County, which was near the epicenter of the earthquake.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei revealed that four buildings in the county had suffered partial collapse. Three of these buildings have been successfully evacuated, ensuring the safety of residents. However, search and rescue efforts are ongoing at the nine-storey Uranus Building, which has tilted to the right due to the collapse of its ground floor.
Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams have managed to extract 22 individuals from the Uranus Building. However, efforts persist to establish contact with one remaining resident who is still unaccounted for, as reported by the National Fire Agency.
The situation underscores the urgency of search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the earthquake, with authorities working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those affected by the disaster. The significant damage to buildings highlights the severity of the seismic event and the need for swift response and recovery efforts to aid impacted communities across Taiwan.
