A powerful earthquake hit off the coast of eastern Taiwan on Wednesday morning, leading officials to say at least at least nine people were killed and hundreds of others were injured due to the natural disaster.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake at 7.4 magnitude, while Taiwan’s monitoring agency pegged it at 7.2, which would make it the strongest tremor to rock the island in 25 years, according to the Associated Press.
News reports said buildings suffered damage, and dozens of people became stuck or lost in places such as quarries and national parks. Search-and-rescue teams have been deployed to reach people who are trapped or stranded.
Multiple aftershocks followed the original quake, which led to tsunami warnings in places such as Japan and the Philippines. As reported by The Washington Post, Shanghai and China’s southeastern provinces even felt the earthquake.
“Disaster response is underway following this morning’s 7.2 earthquake and aftershocks,” Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in a post to X. “I’m deeply grateful for the messages of support we have received from around the world, and to our first responders for their life-saving work.”
Tsai added, “My heart is with everyone affected. Please keep in touch with loved ones, and stay safe.”
Images and videos posted to social media showed bridges shaking, debris falling, and even water from swimming pools raining down from towers.
Taiwan was struck by its strongest earthquake in 25 years on Wednesday.
Scenes of water cascading down the side of buildings and debris falling onto the streets below were captured. pic.twitter.com/my5Rkn16uB
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) April 3, 2024
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson released a statement that said officials at the White House are “monitoring reports of the earthquake impacting Taiwan and continue to monitor its potential impact on Japan.”
She went on, “The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers.”
The New York Times noted Taiwan has been working to improve its early warning system and roll out new building codes to reinforce buildings over the years.
The island is regularly shaken by tremors given that it is situated in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” known for active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
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CNN reported a 6.2 magnitude earthquake that hit in 2018 near the same area where the tremor happened on Wednesday, Hualien County, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 300 others.
In September of 1999, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan that killed more than 2,400 people, injured 100,000 more, and caused billions of dollars in damage.
USGS says one of the world’s deadliest earthquakes shook Taiwan in April of 1935, leading to 3,270 deaths, 12,000 injuries, and 39,000 rooms destroyed or severely damaged.