On Wednesday morning, Taiwan was struck by its most powerful earthquake in 25 years, resulting in a devastating toll. The earthquake, with a magnitude reported as 7.2 by Taiwanese officials and 7.4 by the US Geological Survey (USGS), caused widespread destruction. At least nine people lost their lives, over 900 sustained injuries, and numerous individuals found themselves trapped beneath collapsed buildings and in underground tunnels.
The epicenter of the quake was southwest of Hualien City, occurring at 7:58 a.m. local time. Following the initial shock, a series of powerful aftershocks rattled the island, exacerbating the situation. The seismic event, originating 21 miles (35 kilometers) beneath the surface, resulted in 77 people being trapped underground, according to Taiwanese authorities.
In response to the disaster, President Tsai Ing-wen assured that relief efforts were underway. Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, Taiwan’s preparedness and infrastructure mitigated the impact. The island’s buildings are designed to withstand seismic activity, and its population is well-trained to respond to such emergencies.
Taiwan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is attributed to its location along the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plates converge and interact. The interaction between the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian plate, in particular, generates seismic activity, leading to frequent tremors. Since 1980, Taiwan has experienced approximately 2,000 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or greater.
However, Taiwan has endured significant seismic events in the past, including the deadly Chi-Chi earthquake in 1999, which claimed thousands of lives and caused extensive damage. Despite the recurrent threat of earthquakes, Taiwan continues to implement measures to mitigate risks and enhance resilience against such natural disasters.
