Taiwan experienced its most powerful earthquake in at least 25 years, registering at 7.2 on the Richter scale on Wednesday. Over 50 injuries, with rescue efforts underway for around 20 individuals trapped in collapsed buildings.
The quake struck at approximately 8 a.m. local time, causing buildings to tilt dangerously as people were commuting to work and school. Chang Yu-Lin, a hospital employee in Taipei, described the sensation as though the structure was on the verge of collapse.
Initially, a tsunami warning was issued for the region, but it was later cancelled for the Philippines and southern Japan. Although some small tsunami waves reached parts of Okinawa, Japan, no significant damage was reported. Despite Taiwan issuing its own tsunami warning, no damage was reported from it.
Numerous aftershocks, totaling over 25, were recorded, with tremors still being felt in Taipei. The earthquake’s effects were also felt in parts of mainland China, including Fujian province, and even in Shanghai.
The Taipei Metro resumed operations shortly after the earthquake, with no significant damage reported. However, over 87,000 households remain without electricity, although the nation’s two nuclear power plants were unaffected.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a key semiconductor manufacturer, evacuated some of its fabrication plants to ensure worker safety. While there were no reports of damage to its facilities, the company’s shares experienced a decline in early trading, along with other related stocks.
This earthquake ranks as the most severe to hit Taiwan since 1999, when a 7.6-magnitude tremor resulted in thousands of fatalities and extensive damage. The intensity of the quake in Hualien county was rated as “Upper 6,” the second-highest level on the seismic scale, causing significant structural damage.
