Topline
Taiwan was struck by its strongest earthquake in more than two decades on Wednesday morning, which caused the deaths of at least nine people as dozens of buildings across the island were severely damaged.
A partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday
Key Facts
The epicenter of the quake was in Hualien County on the island’s east coast, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) measuring it at a 7.4 magnitude, while Taiwan’s monitoring agency said it was 7.2 magnitude.
The BBC, citing Taiwan’s government, said at least nine people are said to have died in the quake.
According to Reuters, at least 26 buildings have collapsed on the island and more than 50 people sustained injuries.
Some of the most dramatic images of the disaster showed a five-story building in Hualien City precariously leaning diagonally toward the right after what appears to be the collapse of its first floor.
The earthquake briefly triggered a tsunami warning in parts of Japan and the Philippines, but they were lifted a few hours later as no major waves were detected.
Crucial Quote
Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s president, said on X: “Disaster response is underway following this morning’s 7.2 earthquake and aftershocks. I’m deeply grateful for the messages of support we have received from around the world, and to our first responders for their life-saving work. My heart is with everyone affected. Please keep in touch with loved ones, and stay safe.”
Key Background
Wednesday’s earthquake was the strongest to hit Taiwan since 1999, when a 7.6 magnitude temblor claimed more than 2,400 lives and destroyed thousands of buildings. Hualien was struck by a 6.4-magnitude quake in 2018 which resulted in at least 17 deaths. A year later, a 6.1 magnitude temblor caused damage to some buildings in Hualien and killed one person.
Tangent
TSMC, the world's biggest manufacturer of advanced chips, evacuated workers from some of its factories and paused work on some machinery after the earthquake. But the company later told media outlets that all its workers were safe and many had started returning to the factory floor. It is unclear if the disruption will have any significant impact on the chipmaker. Shares in the company, which makes chips for the likes of Apple and Nvidia, were down 1.27% in afternoon trading in Taipei.
A search and rescue team prepare outside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in ... [+]
Residents rescue a child from a partially collapsed building in Hualien
A partially collapsed building in Hualien
A leaning building is cordoned off in the aftermath ofthe earthquake
Members of a search and rescue team enter a leaning building.
Further Reading
Hualien earthquake leaves 4 dead, 57 injured (Focus Taiwan)
Taiwan hit by strongest quake in 25 years, four deaths reported (Reuters)
