A major earthquake, registering at a powerful 7.4 magnitude, rattled Taiwan on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction in the southern city of Hualien and triggering tsunami warnings across the region, including Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines.
The quake struck at 7:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter about 11 miles south of Hualien City, followed swiftly by a 6.5 magnitude aftershock. The impact was immediate, with reports pouring in of collapsed buildings and injuries.
Taiwan's Red Cross quickly sprang into action, mobilizing teams to assist in the affected areas. Initial reports indicated nine injuries from a landslide on a central Taiwan highway, while later updates from the Central Emergency Command Center confirmed at least 26 buildings had collapsed, with rescue efforts focused on seven of them.
Hualien, home to about 106,000 people, bore the brunt of the destruction, with images showing buildings reduced to rubble or leaning precariously. Security footage captured the intensity of the quakes, with structures swaying violently as people sought safety.
The quake, deemed the strongest in 25 years by Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, caused widespread power outages and severed major roadways due to landslides. Tsunami warnings were issued, with waves expected to reach up to 9 feet in Taiwan and southern Japan.
In response to the crisis, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took to Facebook to assure the public of swift action, directing the military to support local governments and ensure citizen safety. She cautioned against using elevators due to the risk of aftershocks, which are predicted to continue for the next few days, potentially reaching magnitudes of 6.5 to 7.0.
While Naha Airport in Japan saw flight disruptions, no casualties were reported there. The Philippines braced for possible tsunami impacts, but no threats were issued for New Zealand or the U.S. Pacific coast.
The aftermath of this earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters, highlighting the importance of preparedness and swift response in the face of such calamities.
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