Taiwan hit by a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday. The epicenter of the explosion, according to accounts, was roughly 11 kilometers south of Hualien. A strong earthquake off the coast of Taiwan early on Wednesday caused concerns throughout the area, including a serious tsunami warning for Japan’s Okinawa, serving as a stark reminder of nature’s erratic wrath.
Buildings collapsed as a result of the seismic event, which shook the entire island of Taiwan and was felt most acutely in Taipei, the capital. The US Geological Survey estimated that the earthquake was of a magnitude of 7.5, however Taiwan’s seismic monitoring agency first recorded a value of 7.2.
Emergency for the earthquake
Authorities issued emergency alerts following the earthquake, cautioning of possible tsunamis that might impact Taiwan and the neighboring areas. “Taiwan may be affected by a tsunami that is caused by the earthquake. “People in coastal areas are reminded to be vigilant and cautious as a tsunami warning is issued,” the emergency message said, recommending prompt action when needed. Notwithstanding the small disparity, the effects were profound and quick, especially in Hualien on the eastern shore, where structures were observed to be badly damaged and separated from their foundations.
One official from Taipei Seismology reported that the earthquake in Taiwan was the “strongest in 25 years. “At 7:58 a.m., an earthquake occurred that resulted in considerable structural damage as well as a number of aftershocks. Later, the US Geological Survey changed the magnitude to 7.4, emphasizing how intense the event was. These significant aftershocks were felt by AFP reporters on the island, highlighting the seismic activity’s extensive impact.
Earthquakes rocks Taiwan bridge trembling, buildings collapsing
Following two massive 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that triggered tsunami warnings, numerous buildings have collapsed. Moments after the initial one, which had a magnitude of 7.5, there was an aftershock with a magnitude of 7.4. A five-story structure in the sparsely populated Hualien appeared seriously damaged, the upper floors tilting at a 45-degree angle and the first floor collapsing. In Taipei, the capital, tiles fell apart from older buildings and some of the newer office complexes.
The tremors continued to rattle the island. Shortly after it happened, a lot of individuals posted pictures of the devastation the tragedy caused on social media. One video showed a violently swaying bridge, while another showed a structure collapsing. ANI posted those terrifying “Visuals from Belbin Street, Hualien City, Hualien County, eastern Taiwan” on X. People can be seen in the footage rushing in the direction of a partially collapsed structure. There is debris everywhere in the vicinity of the building.
After a 7.2 earthquake in Taiwan, Japan detects the first Tsunami wave
The Japan Meteorological Agency reports that a tsunami wave of thirty centimeters, or about one foot, was seen off the coast of Yonaguni island around fifteen minutes after the earthquake. Waves probably also hit the beaches of Yaeyama and Miyako islands, according to JAMA. The Self Defense Force of Japan dispatched planes to collect information about the tsunami’s effects in the Okinawa area. And to be ready to receive evacuees in case they needed to be taken in.
While Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring organization reported a value of 7.2, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.4. At 7:58 a.m., it struck approximately 18 kilometers southwest of Hualien at a depth of about 35 kilometers (21 miles). The effects were felt as far away as Kinmen, an island ruled by Taiwan off the coast of China, according to Wu Chien-fu, the director of Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring office. An hour after the original earthquake, Taipei was hit by numerous aftershocks.
