A devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake off Taiwan’s eastern coast has left a trail of destruction, claiming at least nine lives and injuring over a thousand. The quake, which struck on Wednesday morning, has left the picturesque city of Hualien in a state of emergency.
The National Fire Agency reported that the quake’s impact was most severe in Hualien, where numerous buildings were left unstable due to the collapse of their lower floors. Infrastructure damage was extensive, with bridges and tunnels destroyed, and roads blocked by landslides.
As of Thursday morning, the agency reported 1,038 injuries, with 52 individuals still unaccounted for. Among the deceased were three hikers in the Taroko National Park, who tragically lost their lives due to a rockslide triggered by the quake.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with drones and helicopters deployed to locate those believed to be trapped within the park. Concerns are growing for 38 workers who were en route to a hotel in the park and remain missing.
Taiwan, situated on the tectonic boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate, is no stranger to seismic activity. However, this quake, initially estimated at 7.5 by Japan’s meteorological agency and 7.4 by the US Geological Survey, exceeded expectations. The tremor’s epicenter was approximately 18km south of Hualien, causing alarm even in Taipei, over 100km away.
The quake has also triggered multiple aftershocks and tsunami warnings across southern Japan and the Philippines. For many, this event has brought back memories of Taiwan’s last major quake in 1999, which resulted in approximately 2,400 fatalities and 10,000 injuries.
As Taiwan grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the world watches, hoping for a swift and successful rescue and recovery effort.
