Earthquake in eastern Taiwan causes landslides, many trapped in tilted buildings.
A building at the intersection of Zhongshan and Chongqing Roads in Hualien County tilted after the earthquake. Rescue teams are working to free trapped individuals.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred at 7:58 AM (6:58 AM Hanoi time), with its epicenter located off the eastern coast of Taiwan, near Hualien County, at a depth of 15.5 km. This is the strongest earthquake on the island in 25 years, following the 7.6 magnitude quake that killed 2,400 people in 1999.
A building at the intersection of North Tan and Khang Lac Streets, Hualien County, tilted to one side and completely lost its first floor.
“The earthquake occurred close to the mainland and the epicenter was shallow. Tremors were felt throughout Taiwan and the offshore islands,” said Wu Chien-fu, director of Taiwan’s Seismological Center.
The earthquake caused a landslide in the Congde area, Hualien County.
Taiwan has reported 4 fatalities and over 50 injuries. At least 26 buildings collapsed, more than half of them in Hualien, with about 20 people trapped.
Rocks fell, blocking the tunnel through Congde on the Suhua Highway, affecting traffic in both directions.
A warehouse in New Taipei City collapsed, and rescue teams managed to save three people.
Bricks fell and broke in a building in Taipei City, southeastern Taiwan.
Passengers panicked, holding tightly onto their seats and poles as the elevated train in Taipei City shook.
“Oh my god, that was a big earthquake,” exclaimed a male passenger.
“I’m so scared I might die,” expressed a woman.
Bricks fell and broke at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial in Zhongzheng District, Taipei City.
Rescue Team No. 6 from New Taipei City reported that a sinkhole appeared on An Tai Road, Tamsui District. Authorities evacuated 12 people, with no reported injuries.
The front of a noodle shop in the night market in Taipei City was damaged.
Books fell off the shelves in the Vinh Xuan Library in Taipei City.
Books, toys, and items in apartments in Taipei fell off shelves during the tremors.
A house in New Taipei was disordered due to the shaking.
Taiwan is located along the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific, a seismically active region where most of the world’s earthquakes occur.
