Taiwan earthquake latest: Nine dead, more than 900 injured and dozens trapped

The quake, which also injured more than 1,000, was centered off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed. Just over 150 kilometers (93 miles) away in the capital of Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings, and schools evacuated students to sports fields as aftershocks rattled the island nation.

Rescuers fanned out in Hualien, looking for people who may be trapped and using excavators to stabilize damaged buildings. The numbers of people missing, trapped or stranded fluctuated as authorities learned of more in trouble and worked to locate or free them.

Reporting by Associated Press.

Seventy people are trapped in a mining area in the Heping district in northern central Taiwan after the country was rocked by its strongest earthquake in 25 years, Taiwan's National Fire Agency (NFA) has said.

Sixty-four people were trapped in one coal mine, with six people people in another, the agency said.

The devastating quake has seen landslides crashing down from mountainous areas and tens of thousands left without power.

Wednesday morning experienced magnitude 7.2, Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency said.

The US Geological Survey estimated it to be 7.4, while Japan's meteorological agency reported it as 7.7.

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The European Union is ready to assist Taiwan's authorities in their efforts for earthquake emergency management.

According to EuNews, Charles Michel, President of the European Council said: “My heartfelt support goes out to all those affected by the earthquake in Taiwan. And my condolences to the families of the victims.

"The European Union stands ready to provide any assistance needed.”

Taiwan's most significant earthquake since 1999 is anticipated to disrupt the semiconductor supply chain across Asia, analysts predict, as major chipmakers including TSMC and UMC suspend operations to conduct facility inspections and relocate employees.

Taiwan holds a crucial position in the global semiconductor supply chain, housing the world's largest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), which supplies chips to tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, as well as smaller chipmakers like UMC, Vanguard International Semiconductor, and Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing.

While most of these firms' facilities are not directly affected by the earthquake's epicenter, many have evacuated manufacturing plants and temporarily shut down some facilities for inspections.

"To ensure personnel safety, some fabs were evacuated in accordance with company protocols," stated TSMC, noting that employees have since begun returning to work.

However, disruptions of varying degrees have been reported at TSMC's facilities in Hsinchu, Tainan, and Taichung, potentially leading to shipment delays and increased wafer input to compensate, according to consultancy Isaiah Research.

The temporary suspension of TSMC's advanced process nodes operations, particularly in Tainan, including 4/5nm and 3nm nodes, and the halting of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment crucial for these advanced nodes, could further exacerbate the situation. This may result in a "short-term hiccup" in electronics manufacturing for economies both upstream, such as Japan and Korea, and downstream, such as China and Vietnam, Barclays warned.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) halted chipmaking operations and evacuated plants in response to the strongest earthquake to Taiwan in 25 years, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the global tech supply chain.

As the main contract chipmaker for Apple Inc. and Nvidia Corp., TSMC relocated staff from affected areas and is currently evaluating the impact of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake off the east coast.

Similarly, smaller local competitor United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) also ceased machinery operations at some facilities and evacuated certain premises in its Hsinchu and Tainan hubs, according to a statement released by the company.

Taiwan authorities have reported that 70 miners are trapped in 2 coal mines after the Wednesday earthquake rocked the island.

According to the fire agency, 64 people are trapped in one coal mine, and six in another.

Officials have reported the loss of communication with 50 individuals who were traveling in four minibuses toward a hotel in Taroko National Park, located 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Hualien, as the earthquake caused disruptions to phone lines.

Speaking to the media outside of a collasped building, President-elect Lai Ching-te said: "At present, the most crucial task is to rescue people."

Ferdinand Marcos Jr conveyed his country's solidarity with the people of Taiwan in the aftermath of the earthquake.

In a statement posted on X, the Philippine president affirmed his government's commitment to ensuring the safety of the approximately 160,000 Filipinos living in Taiwan.

"We are fully prepared to provide assistance and support to our fellow Filipinos in Taiwan in any capacity necessary during this challenging time," he declared.

According to the German dpa news agency, authorities from the fire brigade have confirmed the successful rescue of the two Germans who were trapped in a tunnel.

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake caused damage to several buildings in Hualien but resulted in only minor damage in Taipei, despite being strongly felt in the area.

Despite occurring during the morning rush hour, the earthquake minimally disrupted the regular commute. Shortly after the event, parents were observed walking their children to school and workers driving to offices as usual.

According to Stephen Gao, a seismologist and professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Taiwan's earthquake preparedness measures are among the most advanced globally.

“Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness is among the most advanced in the world,” he told AP. “The island has implemented strict building codes, a world-class seismological network and widespread public education campaigns on earthquake safety.”

The government continuously updates the required level of quake resistance for new and existing buildings and offers subsidies to residents willing to assess the quake resistance of their properties.

Following a 2016 earthquake in Tainan on the island’s southwestern coast, where a 17-storey apartment building collapsed, resulting in numerous fatalities, five individuals involved in its construction were found guilty of negligence and received prison sentences.

Taiwan also has earthquake drills at schools and workplaces, while public media and cellphones regularly disseminate notices about quake safety.

“These measures have significantly enhanced Taiwan’s resilience to earthquakes, helping to mitigate the potential for catastrophic damage and loss of life,” Gao said.

Local firefighters have reported that one of the deaths resulting from the earthquake was a woman in Hualien, who was attempting to rescue her pet cat from a collapsed building.

The woman, identified as 33-year-old Kang (康), initially escaped the quake unscathed. However, she became trapped by an aftershock upon re-entering the eight-story mixed-use block on Xuanyuan Road, according to the Hualien County Fire Department.

Kang was found pinned under a column with no signs of life around 2 p.m.

Kang, a senior high school teacher, had informed neighbors that she was going back into the building to rescue her cat before her tragic fate, the department revealed.

While 24 others were successfully rescued from the collapsed structure, four required hospitalization, the department disclosed.

The count of injuries resulting from Wednesday's earthquake in Taiwan has escalated to 934, as reported by Taiwan's National Fire Agency (NFA). Regrettably, the death toll remains at nine individuals.

The NFA has refrained from specifying the severity of the injuries sustained.

Emergency responders have successfully rescued all 75 individuals stranded in various tunnels within Hualien County. However, as of 7 a.m. ET, there are still 137 people trapped awaiting rescue.

The water of a swimming pool on top of a skyscraper in Taiwan began rushing down the building as the earthquake made the building shake.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) captured the scene, writing:"The rooftop swimming pool became a waterfall in earthquakes ..... Hope everyone is safe in Taiwan"

If you can't see the video, click here.

The earthquake has now resulted in at least nine deaths, rising higher than intial reports of four at the epicentre of the natural disaster in Hualien.

Train service have been halted across the island inhabited by 23 million people, while subway operations in Taipei faced disruptions due to partial separation of a newly constructed above-ground line. Damage was also observed at the national legislature, a converted pre-World War II school, with walls and ceilings affected.

On the east coast, traffic came to a virtual standstill as landslides and falling debris obstructed tunnels and highways in the mountainous terrain. While vehicles sustained damage, it remained uncertain if anyone suffered injuries.

Despite the earthquake hitting during the morning rush hour just before 8 am, initial panic subsided swiftly on the island, accustomed to seismic activity and equipped with preparedness drills at schools and timely alerts disseminated through public media and mobile phones.

Despite sustaining damage from Wednesday's earthquake, hospitals in Taipei City are reported to be functioning normally, as stated by the Municipal Government.

According to government officials, at least seven hospitals in the city have experienced structural damage, such as fallen tiles, partially collapsed ceilings, wall cracks, and power outages.

However, only one hospital remains offline following the earthquake. The Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch has temporarily suspended services due to issues including power outages, fallen ceilings, and water leakages.

According to the National Fire Agency (NFA), at least four foreign nationals are currently trapped in Taiwan following the island's most powerful earthquake in 25 years.

Among those stranded are two Canadian citizens and a dozen others, who are trapped in Taroko Gorge, a renowned tourist spot in Hualien County, the epicenter of the quake. The group is awaiting rescue on the Shakadang Trail, a popular pathway that winds along turquoise waters near the entrance of the famous marble-walled canyon.

Additionally, two German citizens are stuck in a tunnel along the Suhua Highway on the eastern coast of the island. The NFA reported that the highway suffered severe damage during the earthquake and has since been closed.

The Suhua Highway, known for its breathtaking views and perilous terrain, winds along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It serves as the primary route connecting Hualien with the northern region of the island and is dotted with various natural attractions.

Around 60 individuals trapped following Wednesday's earthquake in Taiwan are currently stuck in the Jinwen Tunnel located in northern Hualien County, as reported by Taiwan's National Fire Agency (NFA).

Additionally, the NFA mentioned that 15 people are trapped in the Dachingshui Tunnel, also situated in northern Hualien County, while two German nationals are caught in another tunnel.

The Jinwen Tunnel, spanning 400 meters, is among the numerous tunnels lining the Suhua Highway, a perilous and narrow route stretching 118 kilometers (73 miles) along Taiwan's eastern coastline. Renowned for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain, the highway connects Hualien with northern Taiwan.

Following the earthquake, the highway has been closed due to significant damage caused by landslides and falling rocks.

Another 15 people are reportedly trapped in the Dachingshui Tunnel, and two German nationals are trapped in a third tunnel.

Emergency workers are currently still searching collapsed buildings and rescuing trapped residents.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for the support received from "allies and friends" in the aftermath of the earthquake. Japan, along with several other nations, extended condolences and offered assistance.

In a Twitter post, the ministry stated: "Support from allies & friends in moments of adversity touches our hearts and strengthens our resolve."

A female reporter was captured on footage struggling to maintain her balance while clutching onto a large screen as numerous studio lights dangled precariously from the ceiling.

Despite the relentless shaking of the studio, the reporter remained composed, continuing to deliver the news amidst the chaos.

The harrowing clip circulated on social media, prompting a wave of reactions from shocked viewers. Some praised the journalist's unwavering dedication, while others expressed concern for her safety given the precarious situation.

One commenter applauded the reporter's resilience, writing on X: "I will give it to that lady for hanging in there and giving the news, they should give her a raise."

Another remarked: "Impressed by the reporter who continues talking even with everything shaking! That's terrifying."

However, some expressed reservations about the decision to continue broadcasting amid such circumstances, with one commenter noting: "That's some dedication there. Not sure if it was a good idea though while the ceiling above you is shaking like crazy."

More than 91,000 households in Taiwan are currently without electricity, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Command Center.

The government-operated Taipower Company is reportedly working to restore power.

At least 127 are still trapped under rumble and debris from the earthquake that happened in Taiwan, the biggest in the area since 1999.

The impact extended beyond Taiwan, with reports from Shanghai and several provinces along China's southeastern coast feeling the tremors. Despite being about 100 miles apart, China issued no tsunami warnings for its mainland.

The quake even triggered a small tsunami that affected southern Japanese islands, according to Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, although no injuries or damages were reported.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of a tsunami up to 9.8 feet high for the southern Japanese island group of Okinawa. A wave about 1 foot high was spotted on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake.

The agency said waves likely also hit the coasts of Miyako and Yaeyama islands.

Buildings in the eastern city of Hualien were seen shaking off their foundations in TV footage. One video shows a man standing in the street in front of a building that is leaning precariously.

Another shows crowds stopping to look at the building, as dust from its foundations billows in the air.

In one terrifying video, an entire bridge carrying traffic in both directions can be seen shaking while drivers continue to attempt to make their way across it.

Another video, taken from beneath a bridge, shows the structure wobbling. Other videos show enormous landslides.

Good morning from London. I'm Lucy Sarret and I'll be bringing you the latest following the devastating earthquake that has rocked Taiwan.