Taiwan Earthquake: Death toll and injuries continue to rise

As of the morning of April 4 (Vietnam time), 9 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured in the earthquake that occurred a day earlier off the coast of Taiwan (China). Rescuers are still trying to rescue people trapped in damaged buildings.

A collapsed building after an earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan (China) on April 3, 2024. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

The Taipei Weather Bureau's Seismological Center said the quake was the strongest in Taiwan in 25 years, since a 7.6-magnitude quake in September 1999 that killed about 2,400 people. Experts warned that more seismic tremors could occur in the coming days.

The latest earthquake has damaged dozens of buildings in Taiwan. Television images showed some buildings tilting dangerously in the mountainous county of Hualien, near the epicenter. Video footage showed rescuers using ladders to pull trapped people out of windows, while large landslides occurred in several areas. Aftershocks forced the temporary closure of the subway system in some areas, although most lines have since reopened. The quake also triggered widespread landslides, stranding dozens of people. Many of them are trapped in tunnels through the mountains.

However, strict building regulations and widespread public awareness of the disaster appear to have prevented a major disaster for the earthquake-prone island located near the junction of two tectonic plates.

Power has largely been restored after the quake, with the island's two nuclear power plants unaffected, according to Taipower. Taiwan's high-speed rail operator said there were no injuries or damage to its trains, although services will be delayed due to safety checks.

Taiwanese authorities rated the quake as a “Level 6” – the second-highest level on a scale of 1 to 7. The famous Taipei 101 commercial building in Taipei was lit up all night on April 3 to pay tribute to the victims of the quake. According to Xinhua news agency, the Chinese central government is closely monitoring the situation in Taiwan and is ready to provide disaster relief.

From Washington, the US also announced its readiness to provide necessary support to help Taiwan overcome the consequences of the earthquake.

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