On April 3rd, 2024, Taiwan experienced a seismic event that sent shockwaves across the region. A powerful earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, struck near Hualien City, causing significant damage and triggering tsunami warnings in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. This earthquake, the strongest in Taiwan since the 1999 Jiji earthquake, had a profound impact on the island and its people.
The Earthquake and Its Impact
The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) south-southeast of Hualien City in Hualien County. Buildings in Hualien were compromised, with a five-story building in the coastal city suffering heavy damage, its first floor collapsing and the rest leaning at a precarious 45-degree angle. The shaking was felt as far away as Shanghai and several cities in China’s Fujian Province. Despite the quake striking during the morning rush hour, the initial panic faded quickly, as Taiwan is accustomed to such seismic events and prepares for them through drills and public awareness campaigns.
Emergency Measures and Preparedness
Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency reported a magnitude of 7.2, while the U.S. Geological Survey put it at 7.5. Train and subway services were suspended across the island, and schools evacuated students to sports fields, equipping them with yellow safety helmets. Some even covered themselves with textbooks to guard against falling objects during aftershocks. The national legislature, a converted school built before World War II, also sustained damage to walls and ceilings.
Traffic along the east coast came to a virtual standstill due to landslides and falling debris, affecting tunnels and highways in the mountainous region. Although there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries, the earthquake left a lasting impact on infrastructure and daily life. The resilience of Taiwan’s emergency response system was evident, as authorities swiftly assessed the situation and implemented safety measures.
Tsunami Warnings and Regional Ramifications
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for Okinawa Prefecture, with waves of up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) expected. A 30 cm (12 in) wave was observed at Yonaguni about 15 minutes after the earthquake, affecting the Miyako and Yaeyama islands as well. Flights in Okinawa and Kagoshima were suspended, and Naha Airport was evacuated to the third floor. Fortunately, the tsunami threat largely passed about two hours later, but the impact on coastal communities was significant.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s response to this powerful earthquake exemplifies the importance of emergency preparedness and resilience. While the island is no stranger to seismic activity, each event serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding lives and infrastructure. As Taiwan continues to recover and assess the damage, its ability to bounce back from adversity will be a testament to its strength and determination.
In the face of natural disasters, Taiwan stands united, ready to face the challenges and build a safer, more resilient future.
