Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
At least four individuals have lost their lives, and nearly 60 others sustained injuries following a powerful earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday. The incident prompted tsunami warnings extending to Japan and the Philippines, although they were eventually lifted.
Officials have labeled the earthquake as the most intense to rock the island in decades, warning of potential aftershocks in the coming days. Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei's Central Weather Administration's Seismology Center, highlighted the widespread impact of the tremor.
Despite the considerable magnitude of the quake, strict building regulations and heightened disaster awareness have reportedly prevented a major catastrophe on the island. Taiwan, located near the convergence of two tectonic plates, experiences frequent seismic activity.
The magnitude-7.4 quake struck shortly before 8:00 am local time, with its epicenter located south of Taiwan's Hualien City. Reports indicate that casualties included hikers crushed by boulders and a truck driver caught in a landslide.
Social media platforms were flooded with videos and images capturing the moment buildings swayed during the earthquake. Witnesses described the intense shaking and recounted seeking refuge in safe locations.
President Tsai Ing-wen urged coordination among government agencies and assured support from the national army. The National Fire Agency confirmed casualties and provided updates on the number of injuries sustained.
Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines initially faced tsunami warnings, although they were later lifted. Other regions, including China's Fujian province and Hong Kong, also reported feeling the tremors.
The earthquake serves as a reminder of the region's susceptibility to seismic events. Previous disasters, such as Japan's 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, underscore the potential devastation associated with such natural phenomena.