A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan today, triggering a tsunami warning for surrounding areas. The quake, the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, caused widespread damage and disruption, collapsing buildings and halting transportation. The epicenter was located 18 kilometers southwest of Hualien, a city on Taiwan’s east coast.
Taiwan Earthquake Today: Devastation and Disruption
The earthquake, which struck at 7:58 am local time, sent shockwaves across the island. In Hualien, a five-story building suffered significant damage, with its first floor collapsing and the remaining structure leaning precariously. Even in the capital city of Taipei, tiles fell from buildings and newer office complexes experienced tremors. Train and subway services were suspended island-wide, further contributing to the chaos.
The quake’s impact extended beyond structural damage. Dramatic footage emerged online showing a news anchor continuing a broadcast amidst the tremors, with studio equipment visibly shaking. Social media was flooded with videos of frightened residents fleeing collapsing buildings and landslides forming on hillsides.
Tsunami Warning Issued for Japan After Taiwan Earthquake
Following the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning for the southern Japanese island group of Okinawa, predicting waves of up to 3 meters. A 30-centimeter wave was detected on Yonaguni Island shortly after the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, however, stated that there was no tsunami threat to Hawaii or Guam.
Taiwan Earthquake Today: Aftershocks and Aftermath
Multiple aftershocks were reported in Taipei in the hour following the initial quake. The head of Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring bureau confirmed that tremors were felt as far away as Kinmen, a Taiwanese-controlled island off the coast of China. This earthquake is considered the largest to hit Taiwan since a devastating quake in 1999. Taiwan’s location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it prone to seismic activity.
