In a devastating turn of events, Taiwan has been rocked by a powerful earthquake, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Here’s the latest report:
At least seven people have tragically lost their lives, and over 700 individuals have been reported injured as a result of the earthquake, which struck with a magnitude of 7.4, making it the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years.
The epicenter of the quake was located just 18 kilometers south of Taiwan’s Hualien City, with a depth of 34.8 kilometers, according to data from the United States Geological Survey.
The impact has been significant, with reports of dozens of buildings damaged across the affected areas. Dramatic footage has emerged showing multi-storey structures swaying perilously and landslides blocking roads, particularly in mountainous regions.
Initial tsunami warnings were issued for regions including Japan and the Philippines, heightening concerns of further devastation. However, these warnings have since been lifted, providing some relief to those in the affected areas.
President Tsai Ing-wen has urged for swift and coordinated efforts between local and central government agencies, with support being mobilized from the national army to assist in the rescue and recovery operations.
The international community has also responded, with neighboring countries such as China and Japan offering their support and assistance in the aftermath of the disaster.
The economic impact of the earthquake has also been felt, with operations briefly halted at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest chip maker, and construction work suspended at some sites.
As Taiwan grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
