Major
Earthquake Strikes Taiwan
A
powerful earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale (7.5 according to USGS)
struck eastern Taiwan early today, April 3rd. The temblor caused buildings to
collapse in Hualien, trapping people inside. Authorities are working on rescue
efforts.
The
earthquake's impact was felt across the island, prompting tsunami warnings for
Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. Coastal residents ordered to evacuate due
to tsunami threat.
Taiwan
Earthquake Death Toll Rises
The
powerful earthquake that struck eastern Taiwan on April 3rd has claimed at
least four lives. Three hikers were tragically crushed by boulders in the surrounding
hills. Nearly 60 people have sustained injuries.
This
temblor, the strongest in 25 years according to Taipei's Seismology Centre,
caused tremors across the entire island and even reached offshore islands. The Centre's director, Wu Chien-fu, compared
it to the devastating 1999 earthquake (7.6 magnitude) that tragically took over
2,400 lives.
The
earthquake's impact extended beyond Taiwan, with residents in Shanghai and
Fuzhou, Ningde, Quanzhou, and Xiamen in China's Fujian province also reporting
feeling the tremors.
Eastern
Taiwan Devastated by Earthquake
The
powerful earthquake that struck Taiwan has caused significant damage,
particularly in the eastern city of Hualien, the epicenter. Television footage
showed buildings shaking violently, with at least 26 reported collapses, over
half concentrated in Hualien. Rescue efforts are underway to locate and save
the estimated 20 people trapped under the rubble.
Landslides
and rockslides have also been reported along the eastern coast.
Impact
on Infrastructure Limited
Fortunately,
initial reports suggest the impact on infrastructure has been somewhat
contained. Taipei City, for instance, hasn't reported major damage, and its MRT
(Mass Rapid Transit) system resumed operations quickly. The high-speed rail
service is also reportedly functional, although experiencing delays due to
safety inspections.
Semiconductor
Industry Unfazed (So Far)
The
Southern Taiwan Science Park, home to a major plant of the crucial
semiconductor giant TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), has
indicated that companies within the park are currently operating without any
disruptions.
Tsunami
Warnings Issued, But Impact Limited
Authorities
in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines issued tsunami warnings following the
powerful earthquake.
Taiwan:
Residents in coastal areas were urged to be vigilant for potential tsunami
waves.
Japan:
A tsunami alert was issued for the southern Okinawa islands, with predictions
of waves up to 3 meters. Thankfully, only a 30 cm wave reached Yonaguni Island.
Philippines:
The Philippines' seismology agency warned of "high tsunami waves"
along the Pacific coast and advised immediate evacuation of residents in
several provinces.
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