A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 struck the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday, sending strong tremors across the island and prompting tsunami warnings for neighbouring regions including Japan and the Philippines.
Details of the Seismic Event
The quake's epicentre was located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 25 kilometres south-southeast of Hualien city, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration. The seismic event occurred at a depth of about 15.5 kilometres, classifying it as a shallow earthquake which typically causes more intense shaking at the surface.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially measured the tremor at a magnitude of 7.0, while Taiwan's own monitoring agency reported it at 6.8. Such discrepancies are common in initial readings. The quake struck at 9:52 AM local time, catching many residents during their morning routines.
Immediate Impact and Response
Strong tremors were felt violently across the entire island, with the capital city of Taipei, located over 100 kilometres from the epicentre, experiencing significant swaying. Reports and images from the affected areas, particularly Hualien county, showed buildings with cracked walls and damaged facades. Residents rushed out into the streets as the ground shook.
In the immediate aftermath, Taiwan's Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning for the island's coastal regions. The alert was a precautionary measure due to the quake's offshore location and significant magnitude.
The impact rippled across the region, triggering tsunami advisories in Japan and the Philippines. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of waves potentially reaching up to one metre for islands in the Okinawa region, including Miyakojima and Yaeyama. Philippine authorities also advised coastal communities to be vigilant.
Context and Regional Seismic Activity
This major tremor comes just over a year after a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Hualien in April 2023, which resulted in the tragic loss of at least 17 lives. That event was the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, causing landslides and severe building damage.
Taiwan is situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped zone known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. This geological hotspot is where the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian plate converge, making the region prone to frequent earthquakes.
Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and any potential casualties. Emergency services have been mobilised, and residents in coastal areas have been urged to move to higher ground as a safety precaution until the tsunami warnings are fully lifted.
