A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan, resulting in at least seven deaths and over 700 injuries. The quake, which occurred near the city of Hualien, caused significant damage to buildings and triggered tsunami warnings that extended to Japan and the Philippines before being lifted.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.4, struck early in the morning, causing buildings to sway and collapse. Some people were crushed to death by falling rocks, while others were killed in landslides triggered by the quake.
Hualien, a coastal city surrounded by mountains, bore the brunt of the damage. Dramatic images showed buildings tilting and crumbling, while landslides cut off access to the city.
Despite the widespread destruction, Taiwan’s strict building regulations and disaster preparedness helped prevent even greater casualties.
President Tsai Ing-wen called for government agencies to coordinate relief efforts, with the military providing support.
Although initial tsunami warnings were issued, the threat was later deemed to have passed. However, the earthquake’s impact was felt across the region, with reports of tremors in Japan, the Philippines, and even parts of China.
In Taiwan, where earthquakes are common due to its location near tectonic plate junctions, the quake’s severity serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
While the damage caused by earthquakes varies, the potential for destruction is always a concern, especially in densely populated areas like Taiwan and Japan.
Despite the challenges posed by earthquakes, communities in the region continue to work on improving disaster preparedness and response to mitigate the impact of such events.