A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast on Wednesday morning, leaving a devastating trail of destruction in its wake. The death toll has risen to 9, with more than a thousand injured and over 100 individuals still missing as rescue operations continue tirelessly.
Geologists have labeled this earthquake as the strongest to hit Taiwan in the past twenty-five years, causing widespread damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure. Hundreds of people are feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed tunnels, roads, and houses across various locations.
Rescue efforts are underway, particularly in the Xinwen and Qingshui tunnels along Hualien Road, where 77 individuals remain trapped. Hualien city bore the brunt of the devastation, with collapsed buildings and damaged roads rendering remote areas inaccessible.
Residents in Hualien express fear and uncertainty amidst relentless aftershocks, exacerbating the already precarious situation. Despite ongoing rescue efforts, the aftershocks persist, leaving many displaced and fearful for their safety.
In a glimmer of hope, six individuals trapped in a mine area were rescued with the assistance of a helicopter. Additionally, railway lines in Hualien have been reopened, though a rural station north of the city remains closed due to damage.
Amidst the chaos, the fate of 50 hotel workers en route to a resort in Taroko National Park hangs in the balance, with 24 individuals found and the remaining still missing.
In a neighboring country, Japan, a strong earthquake rattled the northeastern part of the Fukushima region. Although no tsunami warning was issued, the magnitude 6 quake serves as a sobering reminder of the seismic activity prevalent in the region.
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A Global News Agency
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