A devastating earthquake of 7.4 magnitude struck Taiwan this Wednesday morning, resulting in a tragic loss of at least nine lives and leaving over 900 individuals injured so far. This powerful quake, the strongest in 25 years, shook Taiwan during the morning rush hour, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
According to the Associated Press, the quake hit near the eastern city of Hualien at 7:58 a.m. local time. It was said that it had a magnitude of 7.4, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, making it the strongest quake to hit since 1999, which reached magnitude 7.6, killing around 2,400 people at the time.
In the capital city of Taipei, strong shakes were felt as aftershocks continued for roughly two hours. Images on television showed massive damage, including toppled buildings. The authorities suspended work and school in Hualien, an area with about 300,000 residents.
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Officials also closed down eight power plants for safety, and 87,000 residents in Hualien, the epicenter, were without power. Television footage also captured the aftermath, showing neighbors and rescue workers assisting residents, including a toddler, through windows to safety. Meanwhile, videos from the epicenter show rockslides covering roads and houses that were knocked off-kilter.
Initial tsunami warnings were issued but later lifted, easing fears in Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines.
Currently, rescue operations are now underway as 131 people are trapped following the quake, according to reports. It was said at least 50 of whom are employees of the Silks Place Taroko Hotel. Around 300,000 people live in Hualien County, where the epicenter of the quake took place. Around 100,000 reside in the main city.
Officials say the death toll is expected to climb. We will keep you updated as this story develops.