At least four people were confirmed dead, 711 were injured, and 77 people trapped awaiting rescue after a 7.3-magnitude quake struck the east coast of Taiwan island on Wednesday, local media reported on Wednesday, with the rescue being underway in the worst-hit region of Hualien.
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake jolted an area of sea near Hualien in China’s Taiwan at 7:58 am Wednesday (Beijing Time), followed by two aftershocks which measured 6.0-magnitude and 5.9-magnitude at 8:11 am and 8:35 am respectively, according to the China Earthquake Network Center (CENC).
According to local Taiwan media reports, a landslide occurred in Hualien, a county closest to the epicenter, after the earthquake, causing vehicles to be hit by falling rocks.
With a population of abut 100,000, Hualien county is known for its mountainous terrain.
Among the dead persons, three were hikers who were hit by falling rocks, the rest one was a bus driver, killed by falling rocks as well.
Videos on social media revealed some buildings in Hualien were seriously damaged and partially collapsed. Local authorities said there are still people waiting for rescue in these buildings.
Taiwan’s local weather authorities said the earthquake is the largest one since a 7.3-magnitude quake in 1999. Aftershocks of magnitude 6.5+ to 7.0 may occur over the coming three to four days.
The Hualien county government announced the suspension of classes and work in response to the aftershocks.
(Global Times)
