Taiwan was jolted by a powerful earthquake in 2024, registering a magnitude of 7.5, which reverberated across the entire island, leaving a path of destruction and resilience in its wake. The seismic event, striking at 7:58 a.m., caused buildings to collapse, particularly in Hualien, where a five-story building suffered severe damage, with its first floor collapsing and the rest leaning at a precarious 45-degree angle. In the capital city of Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings and some newer office complexes, highlighting the widespread impact of the earthquake.
The aftermath of the earthquake led to the suspension of train and subway services across the island, affecting the daily lives of its 23 million inhabitants. Despite the initial chaos, normalcy gradually returned to Taipei, with children attending school and the morning commute resuming as usual. The Japan Meteorological Agency detected a tsunami wave of approximately 1 foot on the coast of Yonaguni island shortly after the earthquake, with potential impacts on other nearby Japanese islands.
These are real scenes of #earthquake in #Taiwan, not a movie . Let’s pray for the people safety ..#Taiwan #Earthquake #Tsunami #China #Hualien #Japan #Terremoto pic.twitter.com/5vePTRYkTQ
— Mudasir Kabir (@kabir_mudasir) April 3, 2024
Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency reported the magnitude as 7.2, while the US Geological Survey estimated it at 7.4. The epicenter was located about 18 kilometers south-southwest of Hualien, with a depth of approximately 21 miles. A series of aftershocks, including one measuring 6.5 magnitude, were felt in Taipei following the main quake, underscoring the seismic activity in the region.
The earthquake, considered the most significant in Taiwan since the destructive temblor in 1999, highlighted the country’s vulnerability to seismic events as it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes. The resilience and response efforts displayed by the Taiwanese people and authorities in the face of this natural disaster exemplify the spirit of unity and determination in overcoming adversity.
As Taiwan navigates the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the focus shifts towards recovery, rebuilding, and reinforcing disaster preparedness measures to enhance resilience in the face of future seismic challenges. The 2024 earthquake serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the unwavering strength of communities in the midst of crisis.