Taiwan Hit by 7.4 Magnitude Tremor

At least nine fatalities and over 900 injuries were reported following Taiwan’s most powerful earthquake in 25 years on Wednesday. Amidst the chaos, 50 hotel employees remain unaccounted for as rescuers work tirelessly to bring trapped individuals to safety using ladders.

Dramatic footage aired on television depicted buildings leaning in the mountainous and thinly populated eastern region of Hualien, near the epicenter of the 7.2 magnitude quake.

Subsequent aftershocks reverberated across the island.

Fatalities primarily occurred in Hualien County, including three hikers in Taroko Gorge and a truck driver on the Suhua Highway, where rocks caused fatalities and extensive damage. Collapsed buildings, power outages affecting thousands of homes, and landslides on major highways further compound the aftermath.

Authorities have warned of potential aftershocks up to magnitude 7 throughout the week. Military personnel have been deployed for disaster relief, while schools and workplaces suspended operations.