A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan on Wednesday, causing widespread damage and setting off tsunami warnings across the region, including in Japan and the Philippines. The quake, the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, resulted in the death of at least one person, according to Taiwan’s National Fire Agency.
The earthquake’s epicentre was located approximately 18km south of Hualien city, with a depth of 15.5km, the US Geological Survey said.
The tremor was felt across Taiwan, leading to the collapse of buildings in Hualien and triggering landslides in the island’s mountainous interior according to various new reports. In Taipei, the capital, video footage showed buildings shaking violently.
The tremor prompted tsunami warnings in neighbouring regions. Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued an advisory for Okinawa, predicting tsunami waves of up to 3 meters. This was later cancelled, though a 30cm tsunami was reportedly observed at Yonaguni Island at around 9:20 a.m. In the Philippines, authorities issued a tsunami warning for four northern provinces, which was also subsequently withdrawn.
The earthquake has had a significant impact on Taiwan’s high-tech industry, with companies such as United Microelectronics and display makers Innolux and AUO evacuating facilities. TSMC and other tech companies are assessing the damage, with some factories experiencing disruptions, including cracked wafers and halted machinery according to the BBC.
The Japan Meteorological Agency advised residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks of similar magnitude for about a week, highlighting the likelihood of significant seismic activity in the days following the quake.
This earthquake is a stark reminder of the seismic risks in the region. Taiwan lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The last major quake to strike Taiwan was in September 1999, with a magnitude of 7.6, resulting in 2,400 deaths and the destruction of 5,000 buildings.
Japan is still recovering from a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on 1 Jan 2024, with insurance losses estimated to be in the billions of US dollars.
Authorities in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay informed and prepared for potential aftershocks or further seismic events.
