7.5 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan and triggers tsunami warning in Japan

SÃO PAULO, SP (FOLHAPRESS)

Two earthquakes hit Taiwan this Tuesday (2), according to Gdacs (an acronym in English for Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System), an organization linked to the European Commission and the United Nations. The first tremor had a magnitude of 7.5, and the second, 6.5.

Reports collected by the Reuters news agency indicate that part of Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, was left without electricity. However, there is no record of damage, said the city government.

Information from Gdacs indicates that the first earthquake occurred at a depth of 11.4 km. Generally, the closer to the surface, the more intense the tremors. The second was recorded at 11.8 km. In the agency’s assessment, both earthquakes constitute an “orange alert”, which means that there is a considerable probability of damage and that preventive and preparedness measures must be taken immediately by local authorities and populations.

The tremor was also felt in Japan, where it was registered at magnitude 7.5, according to public broadcaster NHK. A tsunami warning has been issued for coastal areas near Okinawa Prefecture in the south of the country. “Escape immediately”, says a text published by the vehicle.

According to NHK, the waves reached the island of Yonaguni, in southeastern Japan, but at heights that, so far, do not pose a serious risk.

The region comprising Japan, China and Taiwan is often called the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its high seismic activity. This zone is characterized by the constant movement of tectonic plates, where several of them converge, diverge or slide over each other.

These frequent tectonic movements result in the formation of mountain ranges, active volcanoes and, consequently, a high incidence of earthquakes.

Japan, in particular, is located at the junction of four tectonic plates, making the country especially vulnerable to earthquakes. Furthermore, coastal areas of East Asia also face the additional risk of tsunamis triggered by undersea earthquakes, which further amplifies the seismic challenges faced by this region.