A 7.4 magnitude quake hits Taiwan, killing four and injuring 60, with tsunami alerts in Japan, Philippines
A massive earthquake struck Taiwan today, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring at least 60 others. This seismic event, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, not only caused widespread panic but also led to the issuance of tsunami warnings in neighbouring Japan and the Philippines. Social media platforms were flooded with harrowing visuals, showcasing buildings and bridges swaying dangerously as people sought refuge.
According to reports from the news agency AFP, this earthquake is the most powerful to shake the island in the past 25 years, prompting officials to anticipate further tremors. The quake’s magnitude mirrors the devastation of the 1999 earthquake, which claimed 2,400 lives, marking it as a historic seismic event for Taiwan.
In the aftermath, videos emerged online, depicting the extent of the quake’s impact. Buildings throughout the region, especially in Hualien, exhibited signs of tilting, while a warehouse in New Taipei City was completely demolished. Among the casualties were three hikers, crushed by boulders during a landslide, and a truck driver killed in a similar incident.
The Taiwanese government, led by President Tsai Ing-wen, has mobilized both local and central agencies, with the national army providing additional support. Efforts to clear debris and ensure safe passage for residents in affected areas are underway.
While initial tsunami warnings heightened concerns across Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later confirmed that the immediate threat had subsided. Life in the capital began to return to normalcy as the metro service resumed and residents were urged to conduct safety checks for gas leaks.
Taiwan’s geographical position, near the convergence of two tectonic plates, makes it prone to earthquakes. This recent event underscores the island’s vulnerability to natural disasters, a reality shared with its neighbour, Japan, which experiences a significant number of earthquakes annually
