Rescuers Race Against Time to Save Trapped Victims After Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years Hits Taiwan
TAIPEI — In a frantic effort, rescuers in Taiwan are working tirelessly to free dozens of people trapped in highway tunnels after the island was struck by its most powerful earthquake in a quarter of a century on Wednesday. The devastating quake has claimed the lives of at least nine individuals and left over 800 others injured.
Impact of the Powerful 7.4 Magnitude Tremor
The powerful 7.4 magnitude tremor shook Taiwan’s east coast, striking at 7:58 a.m. local time, 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometers (21 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. Following the main quake, several strong aftershocks were felt across the island, including by CNN staff in the capital city of Taipei.
Current Situation and Casualty Update
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA) has reported that the death toll has risen to nine, with 882 individuals sustaining injuries. Among those injured, at least 131 people are currently trapped, including 50 employees of the Silk’s Place Hotel Taroko, who were traveling in four minibuses. Efforts to reach them by phone have been unsuccessful, leading to their classification as trapped individuals for the time being.
Rescue Operations and Extensive Damage
Rescue operations have been successful in saving two German citizens who were previously trapped in a tunnel in Hualien County. Unfortunately, all the reported deaths occurred in Hualien County, including three hikers who were killed by falling rocks in the popular tourist destination of Taroko Gorge.
Extensive damage has been reported, with collapsed buildings in Hualien County, thousands of homes without power, and a major highway closed due to landslides and rockfalls. Most of those currently trapped are located in two road tunnels in northern Hualien County, with two German nationals stranded in a third tunnel in the same area.
Tsunami Warnings and Ongoing Relief Efforts
The earthquake initially prompted tsunami warnings in Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines. While waves less than half a meter were observed along some coasts, all tsunami warnings have since been lifted. Military personnel have been deployed in Taiwan to assist with disaster relief efforts, with schools and workplaces suspending operations due to ongoing aftershocks.
Taiwan’s outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen has directed immediate action to understand the local impacts of the disaster and provide necessary assistance to affected areas. As the island continues to grapple with the aftermath of the quake, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Impact of Earthquake and Past Tragedies
Wednesday’s earthquake is the strongest to hit Taiwan since 1999, when a 7.7 magnitude quake struck south of Taipei, resulting in the deaths of 2,400 individuals and injuries to 10,000 others. Hualien County, known for its mountainous and remote terrain, has previously experienced seismic events, with a magnitude 6.2 quake in 2018 claiming the lives of at least 17 people and injuring over 300 others.
As search and rescue operations continue, Taiwan faces challenges in restoring power, access to affected areas, and providing aid to those in need. The resilience of the Taiwanese people and the efforts of rescuers offer hope in the midst of devastation caused by nature’s fury.
