Taiwan: 9 Dead, 50 Missing, over 800 Injured, Dozens Trapped in Tunnels After Massive Quake

Taiwan was hit by its strongest earthquake in 25 years during rush hour on Wednesday, with nine dead, 50 missing, and over 800 injuries reported.

Beibin Street, Hualien City, Hualien County, eastern Taiwan. #earthquake pic.twitter.com/J9jJIToCxZ

— Focus Taiwan (CNA English News) (@Focus_Taiwan) April 3, 2024

The quake triggered landslides in mountainous regions and caused buildings and tunnels to collapse, trapping 137 people in cars, buses, and tunnels. 87,000 homes are reportedly without power.

UPDATE: The death toll from this morning's earthquake has now reached seven, with 736 injuries and 77 people remaining trapped or stranded. All of the deceased were hikers or motorists hit by falling rocks in Hualien Countyhttps://t.co/VK4Rbhvrqk pic.twitter.com/US8DCY2bRr

— Taipei Times (@taipei_times) April 3, 2024

Taiwanese officials said the quake was magnitude 7.2, while the U.S. Geological Survey recorded 7.4 and Japanese seismologists reported an even stronger reading of 7.7. The epicenter of the earthquake was located roughly 11 miles from the city of Hualien, which suffered a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in September 1999. 

Taiwanese seismologists said the 1999 quake unleashed more destructive energy, and struck an area where more buildings were in danger of collapse, but Wednesday’s quake came close to its intensity. Both quakes were strong enough to not only knock people off their feet, but actually fling them into the air.

Lower intensity quake effects were felt in other major cities, including the capital of Taipei, where damage was reported to the building that houses the national legislature.

Seismologists warned dangerous aftershocks are possible over the next three to four days.

Transportation Minister Wang Kwo-tsai said on Wednesday morning that the transportation system in eastern Taiwan was paralyzed by the earthquake, including both road and rail traffic. He anticipated it would be several days before rail services could be restored.

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