As of: April 3, 2024, 8:18 a.m
By: Anna-Lena Kiegerl
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The strong earthquake in Taiwan on Wednesday left one dead and 50 injured. 26 buildings collapsed or became tilted.
Taipei – The worst earthquake in 25 years struck Taiwan on Wednesday (April 3). 50 people were injured and, according to rescue workers, one person probably died. The earthquake was felt throughout Taiwan.
At least four people died. As the national fire department also announced, at least 57 people were injured.
The director of the seismological center in Taipei, Wu Chien-fu, spoke of the worst earthquake in the country in 25 years. In 1999, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck and claimed the lives of around 2,400 people - the most fatal quake in the country's history.
Information about the magnitude of the earthquake in Taiwan varies: Japan says it was 7.7
According to the US Earthquake Observatory USGS, the current quake had a magnitude of 7.4. The epicenter was 18 kilometers south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan's meteorological agency recorded a magnitude of 7.2 on the southeastern coast of the island, near Hualien, at a depth of 15.5 kilometers, while the Japan Meteorological Agency reported a magnitude of 7.7. “I wanted to run out, but I wasn’t dressed,” said hotel guest Kelvin Hwang. “That was so powerful.”
According to the local fire department, two buildings collapsed in Hualien. In addition, the national fire department said in a press conference that 26 buildings were leaning or collapsed. Naha Airport in the region has since been taken out of service. However, flight operations were subsequently able to resume.
This image from TVBS shows a half-collapsed building in Hualien. © DPA/TVBS
Tsunami warnings due to earthquake in Taiwan: “high tsunami waves”
The strong quake also led to restrictions in other countries. There were tsunami warnings in addition to Taiwan, also in parts of southern Japan and in the Philippines, where warnings were given of “high tsunami waves” and calls were made to evacuate coastal areas. However, the warning was lifted a few hours later.
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Japan itself was the victim of a devastating earthquake this year. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the country on New Year's Day and claimed numerous lives.
Three injured by earthquake in Taiwan's capital: The quake was also felt in Taipei
In the Taiwanese capital Taipei, subway traffic had to be stopped for about an hour. The earthquake, as well as the aftershocks, were clearly felt in the city. In New Taipei, which encompasses Taipei City, three people were injured when a warehouse collapsed. Furnishings and dishes were broken in the capital and residents were warned to look for possible gas leaks.
Earthquakes are not uncommon in Taiwan as tectonic plates collide in the region. Nevertheless, this is a particularly strong earthquake, marking the strongest since the devastating accident in 1999 that killed 2,400 people. Neighboring China offered the country disaster relief. However, it is still unclear whether the island state will accept the help. There are always tensions between the two countries because, despite Taiwan's independence, China counts the country as its own territory.
(dpa/AFP/kal)