what we know about the earthquake which left at least 9 dead and 800 injured

This is the most powerful earthquake to hit the island in more than twenty-five years.

It is the second largest disaster in Taiwan’s recent history. The island was hit by an earthquake with a magnitude greater than 7 on Wednesday, April 3, around 8 a.m. (local time). This is the most powerful earthquake recorded in twenty-five years in the territory. In September 1999, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake caused the death of more than 2,000 people. The toll turns out to be less dramatic this time, although it remains provisional: the authorities report 9 deaths and more than 800 injured. Here is what we know about this major earthquake.

A magnitude estimated between 7.2 and 7.5

The earthquake occurred around 8 a.m. (local time) and was followed by several aftershocks. Its epicenter was detected at shallow seas off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The magnitude of the earthquake was estimated at 7.5 by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), 7.4 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and 7.2 by the Taiwan Meteorological Agency (CWA). ).

As the island of Taiwan is located on the border of several tectonic plates, it is frequently affected by earthquakes, just like Japan. To limit risks as much as possible, both countries apply some of the strictest construction standards in the world. These will not have been enough to prevent the damage, given the extremely strong magnitude of the earthquake.

The earthquake is the third to exceed this threshold since the start of the year. In 2023, 19 earthquakes greater than magnitude 7 were recorded worldwide, according to the USGS.

Several deaths in the Hualien region

The toll provided by the authorities is still provisional, but it shows at least nine deaths and 821 injured. All the deaths occurred in the Hualien region, near the epicenter of the earthquake in the east of the island, emergency services said. Three of the victims died on a hiking trail, crushed by rocks caused by the earthquake. Another victim, a truck driver, was killed in a landslide while approaching a tunnel. The agency did not specify the circumstances of the other deaths.

According to a government statement, President Tsai Ing-wen and Executive Director Chen Jianren visited the Disaster Response Center in the morning. The national army is mobilized and central and local governments are called upon to cooperate as much as possible. Bulldozers were mobilized to clear rocks blocking roads to Hualien, according to images broadcast by local television channels.

Totally or partially collapsed buildings

In Hualien, “two buildings collapsed” trapping people, said a fire official in this port of nearly 100,000 inhabitants, located at the foot of a mountain range and gorges. The national news agency Chine Nouvelle reported “many residential buildings” partially collapsed, which have “led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents”. Local television showed multi-story buildings in Hualien and elsewhere tilting dangerously from the quake, while a warehouse in New Taipei City collapsed. The city’s mayor said more than 60 survivors had been pulled from the ruins.

Other notable consequences: the activity of certain factories of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the largest chip manufacturer in the world, was briefly interrupted, according to a group official. In addition, the subway briefly stopped running in the Taiwanese capital, with traffic finally resuming after an hour. Residents were then invited to check for possible gas leaks caused by the earthquake.

Tsunami alert triggered then lifted

Tsunami warnings were issued in Taiwan, the southwest islands of Japan and several provinces in the Philippines. Initially, the population of coastal areas was asked to move to higher ground. The Japanese and Philippine authorities finally quickly lifted their alerts.

Naha airport, the largest on the Japanese island of Okinawa, however, temporarily suspended air traffic and flights planned to this destination were diverted. However, recordings of departing flights resumed after the alert was lifted.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, a regional observatory based in Hawaii (United States), announced a few hours after the earthquake that “the threat of tsunami has now largely passed”while calling on residents of coastal regions to remain cautious.

Many messages of support

On the social network “deeply saddened”before recalling his recognition “from the warm support we received from our dear friends in Taiwan during the Great East Japan Earthquake and the recent Noto Peninsula Earthquake”. Words of comfort that reminded Tsaig of Ing-Wen “Friendship between Taiwan and Japan” .

The presidents of Guatemala and Paraguay also expressed their solidarity with Taiwan. China, which considers the island as part of its territory, declared for its part to observe “very carefully” the earthquake and said to himself “ready to provide aid to the victims”according to the national news agency Chine Nouvelle.