Catastrophic Quake Strikes Taiwan’s East Coast
A catastrophic 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, unleashing widespread destruction and loss of life. The powerful tremors, the strongest to hit the island in nearly 25 years, were felt across Taiwan and triggered tsunami warnings for nearby regions.
Tragic Loss of Life and Injuries
The earthquake has claimed the lives of at least 9 people, with hundreds more injured. Tragically, several fatalities were caused by falling rocks in the affected areas. The number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
| Casualties | Number |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 9 |
| Injured | Over 800 |
Extensive Damage and Collapsed Buildings
The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 20 km south of Hualien City, a coastal region that bore the brunt of the devastation. Buildings collapsed or were knocked off their foundations, with significant damage reported throughout Hualien County.
Hualien City, with a population of over 100,000, witnessed scenes of chaos as structures crumbled and debris littered the streets. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach those trapped beneath the rubble.
Trapped Individuals and Disrupted Infrastructure
According to reports, a staggering 127 people are known to be trapped, including 77 individuals inside the Jinwen and Qingshui mountain tunnels in Hualien County. Additionally, around 70 workers are stranded in quarries due to the earthquake’s impact.
Infrastructure across the region has been severely affected, with train lines damaged and power outages reported. The disruption to transportation and utilities has further complicated rescue and recovery efforts.
Tsunami Warnings and Aftershocks
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for the Okinawa Islands, Miyakojima, and the Yaeyama area, with waves potentially reaching heights of up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet). Smaller tsunami waves were observed on the coasts of Yonaguni Island and other areas.
Aftershocks are expected to continue for days or even weeks, adding to the challenges faced by emergency responders and residents in the affected regions.
Rescue Operations and International Support
Rescue teams from across Taiwan have been mobilized to assist in the search and recovery efforts. International support and aid are also being coordinated to provide assistance to the impacted areas.
As the situation unfolds, authorities urge locals to remain vigilant and follow official guidelines for their safety. The resilience of the Taiwanese people will be tested as they navigate this devastating natural disaster.
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