On Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake toppled houses and triggered landslides in the island’s eastern region. Numerous structures in Hualien, in the east, collapsed.

Taiwanese Media said that at least 946 people were hurt and at least nine people died in Hualien County, including three hikers and one engineering worker who was struck by falling rocks while on a route. 

The television channel SETN said that rescuers were attempting to release at least 137 persons who were thought to be trapped under debris or in need of rescue. Around 23 million people on the island have been uneasy since the earthquake because more than 100 aftershocks have been recorded.

According to the National Fire Agency, 50 persons riding in minibuses when the earthquake knocked out phone networks were no longer communicating with authorities. The earthquake caused furniture to topple over and tiles to fall off older buildings in Taipei, the capital. Vehicles stopped on the side of the road, and the city’s subway service was momentarily discontinued.

About 15 minutes later, and for the following hour, several aftershocks were felt throughout the capital. Because of the strong earthquake, officials warned that aftershocks might last three to four days.

According to Stacy Liu, a Chinese teacher in Taipei who was conducting an online lesson at the time, the earthquake brought back memories of childhood and Taiwan’s biggest earthquake, which killed over 2,400 people in 1999. “I was in a panic. Because I lived through 1999, I know how terrifying it can be, so I felt like scary things would happen all over again.” “I was getting our guinea pigs ready, taking off our construction helmets, and setting some water and snacks under the table in case something crazy happened.”

Taiwanese user experience designer Kimmie Phan-Stattmen claimed the earthquake took her by surprise. “Initially, I assumed it would only be a minor earthquake, but it quickly got far more powerful than I’m used to. Our apartment and balcony are accessed through a sliding glass door, which swung open, something she had no idea was possible. “All the books started falling, and then Beef, our cat, ran around and to the bedroom.” Phan-Stattmen told newsmen

According to Wu Chien-fu, Director of Taiwan’s Seismological Center, the earthquake was the largest to strike the island since the one in 1999. “The earthquake is shallow” and near the coast, Wu informed reporters. The quake was felt throughout Taiwan and the offshore islands. Taiwan’s earthquake alarm system did not activate beforehand despite usually sending warnings minutes in advance.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii, United States, declared that the threat has “passed” following tsunami warnings in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. Waves caused by the earthquake were not reported to have caused any damage or injuries. Yaeyama, Miyakojima, and Okinawa lands were ordered to evacuate due to the threat of waves as high as three meters (9.8 feet) in height.

About fifteen minutes after the earthquake, the agency reported that a wave of roughly 0.3 meters (1 foot) high was seen on Yonaguni Island’s coast. Following the notice, planes were halted at Okinawa’s main airport. After alerting coastal communities to the possibility of “high tsunami waves,” the Philippine Seismology Agency canceled its warning.

Taiwan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geological zone responsible for 90% of all earthquakes. The self-governing island has stringent building codes and disaster awareness initiatives to reduce the number of earthquake deaths.

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