Taiwan Quake Leaves at Least 4 Dead

A formidable earthquake, with a magnitude of at least 7.4, struck near the coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, marking the most intense seismic event the island has experienced in twenty-five years. The quake resulted in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries.

The primary impact seemed concentrated in Hualien county on the eastern shoreline, where two buildings suffered partial collapse and posed significant danger, necessitating immediate rescue operations. Throughout Taiwan, the tremors were felt, triggering nine landslides that obstructed the Suhua Highway in Hualien, as reported by local media. Railway services across the nation were brought to a standstill.

Striking during rush hour, just before 8 a.m., the earthquake led to numerous injuries, with the local fire department anticipating a rise in casualties.

Located approximately 10 miles beneath the ocean’s surface, the epicenter was off the coast of Hualien, according to both Taiwan and the U.S. Geological Survey. Additionally, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration recorded an aftershock measuring 6.5 in magnitude.

In the capital city of Taipei, buildings shook for over a minute following the initial quake, underscoring the vulnerability of Hualien, which has a history of seismic activity. In 2018, seventeen individuals lost their lives in a quake in this region.