Taiwan’s Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years Leaves Nine Dead, Dozens Missing

Taiwan is grappling with the aftermath of the most powerful earthquake in at least 25 years as the death toll rises to nine.

Rabat – Taiwan is grappling with the aftermath of the most powerful earthquake in at least 25 years as the death toll rises to nine.

The earthquake struck at approximately 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday, with over 900 individuals reported injured and approximately 50 missing, the Guardian reported.

The earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, struck just offshore near the sparsely populated east coast. It caused widespread devastation in the mountainous region of Hualien.

Reports indicated that buildings have been left precariously tilted in the aftermath, while landslides have compounded the damage. This has left many trapped and in need of immediate rescue.

Among those affected are travelers en route to Taroko Gorge national park, where rescuers have lost contact with 50 individuals aboard mini buses.

In addition to the human toll, the earthquake has disrupted infrastructure and industry. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), a major supplier of microchips to tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, evacuated some fabrication plants, though safety systems remained operational, according to Reuters.

The impact of the earthquake extended beyond Taiwan’s borders, with Japan and the Philippines also feeling its impact.

Japan’s weather agency reported a magnitude of 7.7, with small tsunami waves reaching parts of Okinawa prefecture. Meanwhile, the Philippines issued warnings to coastal residents to seek higher ground.

Rescue efforts are currently underway and authorities are assessing the extent of the damage. President-elect Lai Ching-te emphasized the priority of saving lives.

A resident of Hualien vividly described the chaos and fear that engulfed the area following the powerful earthquake in an interview posted by the Guardian.

“We can see people screaming and the tremors have kept coming every few minutes, for many hours,” he said. “I don’t think I can sleep inside the house tonight … I feel very scared.”

Mainland China has offered assistance to Taiwan following the earthquake, but Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council rebuffed the offer, stating that there was no need for the assistance.