7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan: it was the most potent incident in a quarter-century

On Wednesday 3^rd of April in Taiwan took place the island's most intense earthquake over the last 25 years. This seismic event, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, struck the east coast of the island at 7:58a.m. local time, about 18 km south of Hualien city, at a depth of 34.8km. The quake was followed by numerous aftershocks, and according to Taiwan's National Fire Agency (NFA) caused significant damage, resulting in at least nine fatalities and over 900 injuries.

Taiwan is a densely populated island situated within the seismic “Ring of Fire”. The current event is the strongest since 1999. Among the affected areas is Hualien County, where numerous people were stranded in tunnels. Despite rescue efforts, communication difficulties have hindered the progress of reaching certain trapped people. However, progress has been made, with 75 people rescued so far while at least 137 remain trapped.

The quake's effects stretched beyond trapped people, resulting in casualties such as three hikers who were killed by falling rocks in Taroko Gorge and a truck driver on the Suhua Highway. The aftermath also unveiled collapsed buildings, power outages impacting thousands of households, and disruptions to transportation infrastructure, including major highways closed due to landslides and rockfalls.

As of present, rescuers in Taiwan are working urgently to liberate numerous individuals trapped inside highway tunnels, specifical, the Jinwen Tunnel, one of several along the scenic yet hazardous Suhua Highway, remains a focal point of rescue efforts, with 60 individuals trapped inside. Furthermore, rescue operations are underway for others stranded, including foreigners.

The earthquake prompted tsunami warnings initially, affecting Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines. However, these warnings were later lifted as the threat subsided. In response to the disaster, Taiwan's military deployed personnel for relief efforts, while schools and workplaces suspended operations due to ongoing aftershocks.

President Tsai Ing-wen instructed immediate action from her administration to address the crisis, emphasizing collaboration with local authorities. As recovery efforts continue and the extent of damage is assessed, Taiwan faces challenges in restoring infrastructure and assisting affected communities amid ongoing seismic activity.