A recent seismic event in Taiwan, specifically in its capital, Taipei, has brought tragic consequences, with at least 17 casualties reported thus far.
The series of earthquakes began on Monday night, originating from eastern Hualien, with the most potent being a magnitude 5.9 tremor, according to the Central Weather Administration. Hualien, which had previously been struck by a magnitude 7.4 quake on April 3, experienced severe damage to infrastructure and loss of life. The aftermath of the earlier quake led to landslides, disrupting transportation networks in the mountainous region, and causing significant structural damage in Hualien city.
The initial quake on Monday, measuring 5.5 in magnitude, occurred around 5:08 p.m. local time and was followed by a sequence of aftershocks. The most intense tremor, registered around 10:15 p.m., was reported as a magnitude of 5.9 by the Central Weather Administration, while the US Geological Survey recorded it at 5.8 p.m. Witnesses described the experience of the quake, noting the rattling of glass panels and swaying buildings in Taipei.
Prompt response efforts were initiated by the Hualien Fire Department to assess any potential disaster repercussions. Fortunately, by 10:30 p.m., there were no reported damages resulting from the seismic activity. Taiwan's geographical location, situated at the convergence of tectonic plates, predisposes it to frequent seismic events. The quake on April 3 was followed by numerous aftershocks, triggering rockfalls in the Hualien area.
While this event mirrored the severity of a 1999 quake that claimed 2,400 lives, the implementation of stricter building regulations and increased public awareness of disaster preparedness likely mitigated the extent of damage and loss of life this time. These measures, including enhanced seismic provisions in building codes, underscore Taiwan's proactive stance in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
