Taiwan experienced a significant seismic event on Wednesday as a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake rattled the island, marking the strongest tremor in at least 25 years. The quake shook buildings from their foundations, prompting a tsunami warning for the southern islands of Japan and the Philippines.
The quake’s epicentre was located near the sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien, as captured by television stations broadcasting footage of buildings at precarious angles. While some individuals were reported trapped, there have been no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries.
According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, the earthquake struck at 07:58 a.m. (2358 GMT) at a depth of 15.5km (9.6 miles) just off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The temblor caused power outages in several parts of the capital city, Taipei.
Japan’s weather agency reported several small tsunami waves reaching parts of the southern prefecture of Okinawa, revising the magnitude to 7.7. Meanwhile, the Philippines Seismology Agency issued warnings for residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.
The seismic activity was felt beyond Taiwan’s borders, with reports of tremors in Shanghai and various cities in China’s Fujian province. Aftershocks continued to be felt in Taipei, with at least 25 registered thus far, according to Taiwan’s central weather administration.
Despite the earthquake’s intensity, the Taipei city government reported no significant damage, and the city’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system resumed operations promptly. However, over 87,000 households remained without power, according to electricity operator Taipower.
Taiwan’s high-speed rail operator reported no damage or injuries on its trains but noted delays due to inspection procedures. The Southern Taiwan Science Park, home to semiconductor giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., reported minimal impact on operations.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) confirmed the normal operation of its safety systems, with some facilities evacuated as a precautionary measure. Shares of TSMC and other tech companies saw declines in early trading following the quake.
The earthquake, described as the most significant since 1999, registered the second-highest intensity of an “Upper 6” in Hualien county, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. Such intensity levels can result in collapsed concrete-block walls and significant difficulties in movement.
As Taiwan grapples with the aftermath of this seismic event, authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and safety measures in the face of natural disasters.
Related posts:
