Taipei: Taiwan grappled with the aftermath of a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck off its eastern coast early Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least seven lives, with 736 individuals reported injured.
The earthquake occurred at 7:58 am local time, reverberating across the island nation, reaching as far as the capital Taipei, and triggering tremors in southern Japan, eastern China, and the Philippines.
The eastern city of Hualien bore the brunt of the quake’s impact, with the surrounding mountainous countryside also severely affected. Reports indicate extensive damage to infrastructure and buildings, with dozens of people trapped under debris as rescue operations continue.
The seismic activity persisted, with over 100 aftershocks recorded by Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Centre as of 15:00 local time. The continuous tremors underscored the ongoing challenges faced by residents and emergency responders in the aftermath of the earthquake.
In the wake of the earthquake, authorities in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines issued tsunami warnings as a precautionary measure. However, these warnings were later lifted, providing relief to coastal communities.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from allies and friends, with Japan and other nations offering condolences and assistance. In a Twitter post, the ministry emphasized the significance of solidarity in times of adversity.
This earthquake marks Taiwan’s most severe seismic event since 1999 when a 7.6 magnitude quake claimed thousands of lives and caused extensive damage. The intensity of the tremors, registering as an “Upper 6,” underscores the significant impact on structures and human life.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
