Taiwan experienced its strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years, with mag of 7.2 according to local monitoring agencies & 7.4 according to US Geological Survey
The south-east Asian nation's fire agency said four persons had died in Hualien County and at least 57 were injured in the earthquake. Reportedly, three hikers died in rockslides in Taroko National Park near the offshore epicentre.
The earthquake led to the collapse of a five-storey building in Hualien, while other structures in Taipei suffered damage such as falling tiles and debris. Train and subway services were suspended, and even the national legislature building showed signs of structural damage.
Train services were halted across the island, while landslides and debris affected highways, causing traffic congestion. The disruption in transportation added to the challenges faced by residents and authorities in managing the aftermath of the quake.
Schools evacuated students to open spaces equipped with safety gear like helmets, demonstrating preparedness in the face of natural disasters. Residents took precautions against falling objects during aftershocks.
Despite the panic during the quake, residents quickly regained composure since Taiwan is familiar with seismic activity and prepared through drills and public awareness campaigns.
The earthquake triggered a small tsunami that reached southern Japanese islands, prompting evacuations and precautionary measures in coastal areas. Military aircraft were deployed to assess the impact in the Okinawa region.
While there were no immediate reports of casualties, authorities continued to assess the extent of damage, particularly in areas close to the epicentre.
The earthquake was compared to past seismic events, including the devastating quake in 1999 that resulted in thousands of deaths and extensive destruction.
Japan and other nearby countries issued tsunami alerts following the quake, urging residents to seek higher ground. While waves were detected, major tsunamis were avoided, alleviating concerns of widespread destruction.
Countries in the region, including China and the Philippines, monitored the situation closely and implemented precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their citizens.
Taiwan's location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for frequent seismic activity, underscores the ongoing risk of earthquakes and tsunamis in the region. Government officials said it was crucial to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols during and after earthquakes.
ADVERTISEMENT
