A 7.4-magnitude earthquake caused significant devastation in eastern Taiwan, prompting a tsunami alert.
Reports from various sources indicated that the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s epicenter was located 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Hualien, Taiwan, at a depth of 34.8 kilometers. Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency stated the earthquake’s magnitude as 7.5.
The seismic activity in Taiwan was severe enough to cause substantial tremors in southern Japanese islands, resulting in building collapses. Authorities advised citizens to remain indoors.
Notably, Taiwan experienced a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake in September 1999, which claimed nearly 2,400 lives, marking it as the deadliest natural disaster in the island’s history. Japan, on the other hand, typically endures approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually.
Both Japan and Taiwan have implemented specialized construction techniques and stringent building codes, contributing to their resilience against major earthquakes.
Japan faced its most significant earthquake on record in March 2011, striking off the country’s northeast coast. This event triggered a tsunami, leading to approximately 18,500 fatalities or missing persons.
