Following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck just south of Hualien County in Taiwan, aftershocks continue to rattle the region. The earthquake, which caused significant damage and claimed at least nine lives, particularly impacted the Hualien area where approximately 300,000 people reside.
One resident, Hong Changyi, shared the devastating impact of the quake on his liquor store, which was located in one of the buildings that collapsed. He expressed the loss of all his goods and supplies, emphasizing the emotional toll of seeing his life's work vanish in an instant.
Despite the widespread destruction and loss of longstanding businesses, Changyi highlighted the importance of safety, noting that while material possessions can be rebuilt, lives cannot.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed, with road and rail closures hindering access to Hualien. Reports and visuals from the area depict collapsed buildings and sections of the Suhua highway, a vital connection between Hualien and northern Taiwan, either severely damaged or blocked by debris.
The resilience of the affected communities in the face of such devastation is evident, with efforts underway to address the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.
