Taiwan Earthquake: The country was struck by a potent earthquake, raising concerns of people trapped in buildings amid disrupted electricity across many cities. A Tsunami alert rippled across Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, heightening anxieties. 4 people died and 60 injured as reported by the sources.
The Taiwan earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, jolted its capital, Taipei, causing widespread devastation, including disrupted power and suspended train services nationwide. Subsequently, a tsunami hit two Japanese islands, amplifying the calamity’s impact.
Images and videos from Hualien, Taiwan, depict harrowing scenes of the Taiwan Earthquake. Collapsing buildings resembling stacked cards, underscoring the scale of destruction. Consequently, school and government closures were authorized, with historical sites also bearing damage, including a pre-World War II school.
Japan Airlines ceased flights from Okinawa and Kagoshima, redirecting flights away from tsunami-prone areas. Meanwhile, Taiwan readied its military for rescue operations in potentially affected zones, recognizing the likelihood of trapped individuals.
The seismic event of the Taiwan Earthquake resonated as far as Shanghai, China, marking Taiwan’s most severe earthquake in 25 years. Notably, a one-foot tsunami wave reached Yonaguni Island in Japan, prompting alerts across coastal regions, where waves could surge up to three meters high.
Japan’s broadcaster NHK rated the Taiwan earthquake at ‘Upper 6’ on its intensity scale, indicating a significant impact. Similarly, the Philippines issued a tsunami warning, urging residents to seek higher ground in anticipation of potential coastal surges.
The Taiwan earthquake evokes memories of Taiwan’s deadliest quake in 1999, which claimed thousands of lives. As recovery efforts commence, international solidarity and preparedness remain paramount in mitigating further impact and ensuring swift aid delivery.
Five earthquakes from the past:
- Nepal – 2023 – 6.2 magnitude
- Sulawesi, Indonesia – 2023 – 7.5 magnitude
- Tohoku, Japan – 2011 – 9.1 magnitude
- Haiti – 2010 – 7.0 magnitude
- Sichuan, China – 2008 – 7.9 magnitude
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