Rescuers in Taiwan are working tirelessly to free dozens of people trapped in highway tunnels after the island was struck by its strongest earthquake in 25 years on Wednesday. The powerful 7.4 magnitude tremor shook the island’s east coast, causing significant damage and loss of life.
The earthquake hit at 7:58 a.m. local time, 18 kilometers south of Hualien city, at a depth of 34.8 kilometers. The US Geological Survey reported several strong aftershocks, with 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter.
The death toll has risen to nine, with 934 people injured. Extensive damage has been reported, including collapsed buildings, thousands of homes without power, and a major highway closed due to landslides and rockfalls.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with more than 100 buildings damaged across the island. The National Fire Agency reported that about half of the damaged buildings are in Hualien County.
Transportation has been severely impacted, with road and rail closures hindering access to the quake’s epicenter. The quake struck during the morning rush hour, causing chaos on highways and public transportation.
The quake also triggered tsunami warnings in Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines. While waves were observed along some coasts, all tsunami warnings were later lifted.
Taiwan’s military has been deployed to assist with disaster relief efforts, and schools and workplaces have suspended operations due to ongoing aftershocks. The government is working to provide necessary assistance and minimize the impact of the disaster.
Taiwan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to earthquakes. The last major earthquake to hit Taiwan was in 1999, which resulted in significant casualties.
As rescue efforts continue and the extent of the damage is assessed, Taiwan remains on high alert for further seismic activity in the coming days.
