A powerful earthquake rattled Taiwan in the early hours of Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse in some areas and triggering a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.4, struck at 07:58 local time (23:58 GMT) at a depth of 15.5km, according to the US Geological Survey.
Taiwan earthquake impact was felt across the entire island, with reports of collapsed buildings, power cuts, and internet outages. The city of Hualien, closest to the epicenter, bore the brunt of the damage, with multiple buildings collapsing and rescue efforts underway.
Despite the severity of the Taiwan earthquake, there have been no immediate reports of casualties in Taiwan. However, the earthquake did set off tsunami warnings for Japan and the Philippines. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings for southern Japan, urging residents to evacuate coastal areas.
Fortunately, the tsunami threat passed without significant damage in Japan, with waves reaching only about 30 centimeters (a foot) on some islands. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that there were no reports of injuries or damage in Japan.
In Taiwan, the earthquake was the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, with tremors felt as far as the mountainous interior. Schools evacuated students to safety, while train and subway services were suspended across the island.
Taiwan’s chipmaking giant, TSMC, evacuated some of its factories for the safety of its staff, although it reassured that its safety systems remained operational. The earthquake also caused disruption to internet services, with reports of internet outages across the island.
While Taiwan is prone to earthquakes, with its residents accustomed to frequent tremors, the scale of this earthquake underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of natural disasters. As rescue efforts continue in affected areas, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and take necessary precautions.
