Taiwan Hit by Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years, Tsunami Warning Issued

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Taiwan on Wednesday morning, triggering tsunami warnings for the self-governing island and neighboring regions, including parts of southern Japan and the Philippines.

The quake occurred just before 8:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) locating the epicenter 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Taiwan’s Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometers.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for remote Japanese islands, such as Miyakojima island, cautioning of waves as high as three meters (10 feet).

In response, Taiwanese authorities sent out tsunami warnings via text message, urging residents in coastal areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against potential dangers from sudden wave surges.

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The initial earthquake was widely felt across Taiwan, with reports of strong shaking sensations from southern Pingtung county to the northern capital of Taipei. A series of aftershocks, including a 6.5-magnitude earthquake near Hualien according to Taipei’s weather agency, further rattled nerves.

In Taipei, the metro system briefly halted operations but resumed service within an hour. Local residents received advisories from borough chiefs to check for gas leaks in their homes.

Kelvin Hwang, a guest at a downtown hotel, described the intensity of the quake, stating, “I wanted to run out but I wasn’t dressed. That was so strong.”

Officials noted that this earthquake was the most powerful felt on the island in decades. Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei’s Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Center, highlighted its significance, stating, “It’s the strongest in 25 years since the (1999) earthquake.”

In September 1999, a 7.6-magnitude quake struck Taiwan, claiming approximately 2,400 lives in what remains the deadliest natural disaster in the island’s history.

Wu cautioned that the risk of further seismic activity remains, stating, “We cannot rule out the possibility of earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.5 to 7 occurring within three days, relatively close to the land.” He advised the public to heed warnings and be prepared for possible evacuation measures.

Earthquake territory

Taiwan, situated near the convergence of two tectonic plates, experiences frequent earthquakes, while neighboring Japan encounters approximately 1,500 tremors annually.

Following the earthquake in Taiwan, the Philippines also issued a tsunami warning and urged the evacuation of coastal areas. The northern provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Illocos Norte, and Isabela are expected to face significant tsunami waves, according to state seismological agencies.

In Japan, national broadcaster NHK displayed a banner instructing viewers to evacuate immediately. Anchors urged people to move away from coastal areas without delay. Live TV footage from ports in the Okinawa region showed ships heading out to sea, likely as a precautionary measure.

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As a safety precaution, flights were suspended at Okinawa’s main airport, as confirmed by a transport ministry official to AFP.

While most earthquakes in the region are minor, the extent of damage varies based on factors such as the depth of the epicenter and its proximity to populated areas. Similarly, the severity of tsunamis hinges on multiple variables.

Japan’s most devastating earthquake occurred in March 2011, registering a magnitude of 9.0 off the northeast coast. This event triggered a tsunami that claimed approximately 18,500 lives and led to the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant, resulting in Japan’s worst post-war disaster and the most severe nuclear incident since Chernobyl.

Japan experienced another significant earthquake on New Year’s Day this year, with a magnitude of 7.5 striking the Noto Peninsula, claiming over 230 lives, primarily due to collapsing older structures.

Indian Taipei Association issues advisory

Following the powerful earthquake in Taiwan, the Indian Taipei Association has issued a statement urging Indian nationals residing in Taiwan to adhere to advisories provided by local authorities. Additionally, the association has set up a dedicated helpline to offer assistance, guidance, or clarification to Indian citizens affected by the earthquake. The helpline can be reached via mobile at 0905247906 or through email and Indian nationals are encouraged to share this advisory within their local networks for broader dissemination.