3-4-2024 (TAIPEI) The National Early Warning Information Center revealed that the Tsunami Early Warning Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a Tsunami Level I (Red) alert. The alert comes in response to a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the Taiwan Strait at 7:58 am local time. The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 23.85°N and 121.6°E, with a depth of 9 kilometers.
Preliminary seismic parameters indicate that the earthquake has the potential to trigger localized tsunamis near the epicenter. The affected areas are expected to be along the Taipei East, Pingtung West, Pingtung East, Taitung South, Taitung North, Hualien, and Yilan coastlines. The Tsunami Early Warning Center warns of disastrous impacts in these specific regions.
????BREAKING: 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan #earthquake
The shaking was so bad that people commuting to work stopped.pic.twitter.com/jNgUZm9pMl— AJ Huber (@Huberton) April 3, 2024
The tremors from the earthquake were felt in various cities, including Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Ningde, and Shanghai in China, highlighting the significant reach of this seismic event.
Furthermore, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) has also issued a tsunami warning following the earthquake. While not all residents received the alert, the CWA urged caution about the imminent tsunami threat to the northern coastal area and advised residents to evacuate to higher ground to ensure their safety.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has also joined in issuing a tsunami warning for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands. Waves of up to 3 meters are anticipated to hit these areas, heightening the need for preparedness and immediate action.
BREAKIN: A Multistory Building on the Corner of Congquing and Zhongshan Road has Partially Collapsed in Hualien as 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake hit Taiwan.#Taiwan #Earthquake pic.twitter.com/ePZ2XhgcFC
— Wali Khan (@WaliKhan_TK) April 3, 2024
Following the initial earthquake, Taiwan experienced several aftershocks, including a 6.5-magnitude tremor, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). These aftershocks further contribute to the already tense situation and the ongoing risks faced by residents.
Taiwan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is no stranger to seismic and volcanic activities. The region is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, spanning a vast area from Indonesia to Chile. This geographical positioning puts Taiwan at an increased risk of such natural disasters.
The island has a long history of enduring powerful earthquakes. In 2018, a magnitude 6.2 quake near Hualien resulted in the loss of at least 17 lives and left over 300 individuals injured. However, the most devastating earthquake in recent memory occurred in 1999, claiming the lives of 2,400 people.
Wednesday’s powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Hualien County, which is home to approximately 300,000 people. Hualien County is located in close proximity to the renowned tourist attraction Taroko Gorge and was directly at the epicenter of the earthquake. The quake occurred 25 kilometers southeast of Hualien, with a shallow depth of 12 kilometers.
