The largest earthquake to strike Taiwan in 25 years, with a magnitude of 7.2, slammed the country’s east coast on Wednesday. In Hualien, the earthquake resulted in considerable damage, as well as over 50 injuries and four confirmed deaths. In all, about 26 structures fell, trapping roughly 20 persons.
Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines all issued tsunami warnings, forcing people living along the coast to evacuate. The earthquake was felt in southern Japan, Shanghai, and the southeast coast of China. Because of its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Taiwan is vulnerable to earthquakes.
This is the biggest earthquake since the terrible one that struck in 1999 and killed over 2,000 people. The east shore is still experiencing aftershocks.
Little tsunami waves were recorded in Okinawa, Japan, and coastal regions in the Philippines were advised to evacuate. Taiwan reported no damage despite likewise issuing a tsunami warning. As a precaution, Hualien closed its schools and offices.
Taiwan’s high-speed rail and nuclear power reactors were unharmed by the earthquake. Safety mechanisms are in place notwithstanding the evacuation of some semiconductor operations.
Authorities are keeping a careful eye on the situation while they determine the extent of the damage and make sure the inhabitants are safe.