Taiwan rocked by 7.4 quake, 7 dead as warnings deemed ‘too mild’.
Taiwan was struck by its strongest earthquake in 25 years on Wednesday morning, killing at least 7 people, injuring hundreds and damaging key infrastructure. The 7.4 magnitude quake struck near Hualien county at 8 AM, shaking buildings in the capital Taipei. Three hikers and a driver perished in landslides at Taroko National Park.
Authorities had expected a milder 4.0 quake, failing to issue timely alerts. Panicked residents fled high-rises and crowded sports fields, with some children sheltering under desks as aftershocks continued.
A five-storey structure near the epicentre tilted precariously while metro services and flights faced disruptions. Over 30 roads and bridges suffered cracks as landslips struck highways in mountainous regions.
Taiwan’s chip giant TSMC evacuated some factories as power and water supplies to science parks remained stable. Stock markets opened with volatility as the economic toll was assessed.
Having experienced quakes regularly, Taiwan is equipped with robust architecture, seismology networks and disaster preparedness. However, Wednesday’s unexpected intensity exposed gaps for authorities to address.
As rebuilding commences in ravaged Hualien, the incident rekindled trauma from Taiwan’sdeadliest 1999 temblor. Seismologists warned of continued activity due to the island’s position along the ‘Ring of Fire’.
