The most devastating in 25 years leaves 9 dead

The quiet morning of Wednesday (3) turned into a scene of chaos in Taiwan after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, considered the most intense in the last 25 years, shook the region, leaving nine dead and more than 800 injured. The natural disaster generated a wave of panic and devastation, mainly affecting the mountainous and sparsely populated county of Hualien, close to the epicenter of the geological phenomenon.

The impact of the earthquake was immediate, with several buildings tilting dangerously, while residents and workers in the capital Taipei witnessed the powerful force of the tremors. News of the earthquake quickly spread, accompanied by stunning images showing the magnitude of the damage. In fact, the event triggered a tsunami warning for southern regions of Japan and the Philippines, which was later cancelled, temporarily raising global concern.

What happened during the Taiwan earthquake?

As the earthquake hit Taiwan, citizens like Chang Yu-lin, a 60-year-old hospital worker, expressed their terror at experiencing natural forces in action. “It felt like the house was going to fall down,” said Chang, capturing the feeling of helplessness in the face of nature. Likewise, hotel owners in Hualien struggled to calm their guests, suddenly plunged into a state of dread. Chan, an inn administrator, shared the feeling of amazement at the biggest natural catastrophe she had ever seen.

Government response and rescue efforts

The Taiwanese government, along with rescue teams, quickly mobilized in response to the catastrophe. President-elect Lai Ching-te, facing one of the first major challenges of his impending administration, emphasized the priority of rescue efforts. There were still reports of around 50 people, on their way to Taroko Gorge National Park and traveling in minibuses, lost, intensifying the race against time to save lives.

Impact of the earthquake beyond Taiwan

The earthquake also had repercussions internationally, with tsunami waves reaching Okinawa, Japan, and warnings being issued in several provinces in the Philippines. Even in Fujian, China, and Shanghai, the shaking was felt, demarcating the vast extent of the seismic impact.

Despite the severe damage, the resilience of the Taiwanese and the government’s quick response stand out. Most power has now been restored and important infrastructure, such as the Taiwan Air Force, despite being slightly affected, remained operational, thus ensuring a pillar of stability amidst the chaos.