A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan's eastern coast on April 3, 2024, registering a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale according to Taiwanese authorities, and 7.4 according to the U.S Geological Survey (USGS).
The temblor, the strongest to hit the island in a quarter century, caused widespread damage, particularly in the eastern city of Hualien and surrounding areas.
The quake struck shortly before 8:00 am local time, triggering panic and sending residents scrambling for safety. Buildings were damaged, with some collapsing entirely. Several hikers in the nearby Taroko National Park were tragically killed by falling rocks dislodged by the tremors.
Authorities reported at least seven people dead and over 730 injured. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with a focus on locating survivors trapped in collapsed structures.
The earthquake also triggered tsunami warnings for Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, which were thankfully lifted later.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Taiwan to earthquakes. The island sits on a geologically active zone and experiences frequent tremors.
Officials have warned of potential aftershocks in the coming days and urged residents to remain vigilant.
