A powerful magnitude-7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Hualien County in the Taiwan region on Wednesday morning, resulting in at least nine fatalities and hundreds of injuries, according to local authorities.
The quake occurred at 7:58 a.m., with the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reporting its epicenter off Hualien County at a depth of 12 kilometers. An official from the local earthquake center described it as “the strongest quake the region has seen since 1999” during a press conference.
The tremor was felt across the island of Taiwan, causing widespread disruption. Rockslides in mountainous areas have been reported, leading to casualties and blocking transportation routes. As of 4:30 p.m., over 80,000 households were experiencing power outages, and some buildings have collapsed or are observed to be tilting, raising concerns about structural safety.
Emergency response teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to assist in rescue operations and restore essential services. The Taiwan authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant amid the possibility of aftershocks.
Reference(s):
M7.3 earthquake hits China's Taiwan, aftershocks impact region
cgtn.com
