Major Earthquake Strikes Taiwan: 7.4 Magnitude on Richter Scale Sparks Tsunami Fear
Taipei—Early this Wednesday, Taiwan was rocked by a significant earthquake, registering 7.4 on the Richter scale, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was pinpointed 18 kilometers south of Hualien City, with a depth of 34.8 kilometers.
The tremors triggered widespread alarm, with reports emerging of a building collapsing perilously, circulating rapidly on social media platforms.
Authorities have sounded the alarm for a potential tsunami, cautioning residents to brace for waves reaching up to three meters high, with Miyakojima Island also on alert.
The prospect of a tsunami has sent shockwaves through Taiwan, prompting a mass exodus onto the streets as residents heed evacuation advisories. Concurrently, neighboring Japan has issued its own tsunami warning, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Notoriously prone to earthquakes, Taiwan recalls the devastating toll of the 1999 quake, which claimed the lives of 2400 individuals in a 7.6 magnitude tremor. Details regarding casualties and property damage from the current event remain forthcoming.
Massive 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Taiwan After Almost a Century
Taiwan was struck by a powerful earthquake today, registering a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale. This seismic event marks the first of its magnitude to hit the island nation in nearly a century.
Tragically, the quake has claimed the lives of seven individuals, with 736 reported injuries and 77 people trapped in tunnels. The aftermath has left hundreds stranded on highways, as numerous buildings succumbed to the tremors, collapsing under the strain. Widespread power outages have also been reported in affected areas.
The harrowing scenes of the earthquake are circulating widely on social media platforms. One particularly striking video captured the moment when vehicles traversing a flyover were met with the unsettling sight of the road undulating like a cradle. The abrupt halt of vehicles as the road swayed, albeit due to the earthquake, encapsulates the sheer force and chaos unleashed by the seismic event.
Rescue efforts are underway as emergency services strive to reach those trapped and provide aid to the injured. The Taiwanese government, along with international relief agencies, is mobilizing resources to address the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
