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Dozens are understood to be trapped in highway tunnels after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s east coast, which has seen nine people confirmed dead and more than 1,000 injured.
Tremors set off at least nine landslides and debris collapsed hillsides onto Suhua Highway in Hualien, which runs down the east coast.
According to Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA), people are trapped in two road tunnels along the Suhua Highway- one of the most dangerous roads in Taiwan, straddling between the mountainside and ocean.
Rescue teams are working to get to those trapped, with CNN reporting that 75 people who were stranded in various tunnels had been rescued in the morning.
The earthquake – the strongest in 25 years in Taiwan – set off tsunami warnings on the island and across neighbouring countries, seismology officials said.
More than 77 people remain trapped under the rubble after the quake caused widespread damage and power outages across the country.
Watch: Buildings partially collapsed after 7.4-magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 04:00
‘Largest earthquake since New Year’s Day quake’
Experts are saying that the severity of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and its impact on Taiwan since the New Year’s Day quake in Japan.
“This magnitude 7.4 earthquake on the central east coast of Taiwan is the largest earthquake to have occurred since the New Year’s Day earthquake on the Noto Peninsula of Japan,” Adam Pascale, chief scientist at the Seismology Research Centre, said.
The reason for the high magnitude is Taiwan’s unique location, professor Meghan S Miller from The Australian National University, explained.
“The M7.4 earthquake that occurred 35 km beneath the east coast of Taiwan was the result of the convergence between the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian plate. This complex tectonic setting has produced many other large (M7+) earthquakes historically,” Dr Miller said.
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 03:30
World leaders send messages of support to Taiwan following devastating earthquake
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 03:00
Indian Prime Minister sends condolences to Taiwan
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his condolences to Taiwan following the huge earthquake on Wednesday.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen later responded to Mr Modi, thanking him for his “solidarity”.
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 02:30
In pictures: Rescue teams search for survivors
Members of a rescue team searching for survivors in a damaged building in Hualien
(TAIWAN’S NATIONAL FIRE AGENCY/AF)
Members of a search and rescue team look for victims inside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan
(AP)
Fire fighters search inside a building for rescue operation. The Uranus Building is tilted at an angle of more than 60 degrees, and one person is still missing
(Anadolu via Getty Images)
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 02:00
Mapped: Where did the earthquake occur?
Rescue efforts are focused in Hualien city, from where most of the casualties and damage have been reported.
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 01:30
Photo: Taiwan’s president-elect surveys damage in Hualien
Taiwan’s president-elect and current Vice-President Lai Ching-te (3rd R) surveying damage in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan’s east
(CNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 01:00
Taiwan president thanks first responders
Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen thanked people for sending messages of support and first responders for saving lives after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake this morning and its aftershocks.
“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,” the Taiwanese president wrote on X.
“My heart is with everyone affected. Please keep in touch with loved ones, and stay safe,” Ms Tsai said.
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 00:30
Watch live: Taiwan earthquake rescue operation underway as at least nine people dead
Mike Bedigan4 April 2024 00:00
‘The biggest earthquake I have ever experienced’
A woman who runs bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Hualien city said she scrambled to calm her guests who were scared by the quake.
“This is the biggest earthquake I have ever experienced,” the woman, who asked to be identified only by her family name, Chan, told Reuters.
The government previously put the number of injured at 946, though other reports place the numbers at over 1,000.
Mike Bedigan3 April 2024 23:30
