Taiwan has been struck by its most powerful earthquake in the past quarter-century, leading to the death of seven individuals and injuring over 700 others. The seismic event, with a magnitude initially measured at 7.2 by local authorities and adjusted to 7.4 by the United States, wreaked havoc early in the morning near Hualien — a destination favored by tourists on the island’s east coast.
The region where the earthquake hit. | @BNONews/X (formerly known as Twitter)
The natural disaster also prompted the issuance of tsunami alerts in the southern regions of Japan and the Philippines, as the island faced building collapses, electricity blackouts, and mudslides.
台湾地震、部屋が壊れたんだが。 pic.twitter.com/yYuarYQ4JT
— 敏度 (@Abalamindo) April 3, 2024
In the aftermath of the earthquake, social media has been filled with distressing scenes of children being saved from the ruins of residential buildings. Particularly striking was the sight of a five-story structure in Hualien, partially crumbled to the ground as the rest of the structure also looked close to falling apart.
BREAKING: Multiple buildings collapse after quake hits eastern Taiwan – witnesses pic.twitter.com/VcdavC7abb
— BNO News (@BNONews) April 3, 2024
Earthquake of magnitude 7.4 in Taiwan
The Japan Meteorological Agency has raised the magnitude estimate for the Taiwan earthquake to 7.7 pic.twitter.com/IMr1sRDXB7
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) April 3, 2024
Amid the chaos, there were reports of the Dachingshui tunnel clogged with debris, entrapping both pedestrians and vehicles. The damage extended to the railway infrastructure, compelling the closure of educational institutions and businesses throughout the region of Hualien.
WATCH: Dashcam captures 7.4 quake on highway in eastern Taiwan pic.twitter.com/P6oJetpML7
— BNO News (@BNONews) April 3, 2024
The magnitude of the quake was palpable across the city, with drivers recounting the horrifying moment as boulders tumbled down from adjacent hills. Meanwhile, many residents were forced to evacuate their homes, driven by the quake’s devastating force.
WATCH: Strong earthquake causes landslide in eastern Taiwan pic.twitter.com/SQZFyd7zgj
— BNO News (@BNONews) April 3, 2024
Among a group of seven hikers venturing through the hills encircling Hualien at dawn, three were tragically killed by falling rocks dislodged by the quake’s tremors, as confirmed by officials. In a separate ordeal, a landslide triggered by the seismic activity struck a truck en route to a tunnel, claiming the life of the driver.
Taiwan Earthquake Latest: At least four people are dead and 711 injured after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near Taiwan’s east coast, while 77 people remain trapped in collapsed buildings or tunnels. @tiffvevo reports. pic.twitter.com/ZyhMWMvry8
— TaiwanPlus News (@taiwanplusnews) April 3, 2024
The residents of Hualien, although accustomed to the threat of earthquakes, found this experience to be unparalleled in terms of terror. Despite their familiarity with quakes the intensity and devastation of this morning’s disaster surpassed any previous encounters.
