Officials reported on Wednesday that at least nine individuals have tragically lost their lives, while nearly 1,000 others have suffered injuries in the most powerful earthquake to strike the island in 25 years.
The Taiwan National Fire Agency disclosed that the latest tally stands at 934 wounded following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake, which struck during the morning rush hour. In Hualien County, where the quake originated around 7 a.m. local time, 137 individuals are still trapped in various tunnels. Fortunately, 75 people have been successfully rescued so far.
A government statement, as cited by CNN, conveyed the operational status of hospitals in Taipei City, stating that apart from the Tri-State Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, which has temporarily halted services due to power outages, structural damages, and water leakages, all other medical facilities are functioning normally despite sustaining varying degrees of structural harm.
Devastation in Taiwan: 9 Lives Lost and Nearly 1,000 Injured in Powerful Earthquake (Credits: ABC News)
Wu Chien-fu, an official from Taiwan’s seismology department, noted the historical context, recalling a devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake in 1999 that claimed the lives of approximately 2,400 individuals. President Tsai Ing-wen affirmed that the armed forces are actively assisting affected local communities.
Meanwhile, TSMC, a prominent semiconductor manufacturing entity, reported that although some of its fabrication plants were evacuated, all operational systems continue to function without disruption.
According to NBC News, TSMC assured the safety of its personnel, stating that those evacuated are gradually returning to their workplaces while the company assesses the full extent of the impact.
The earthquake wreaked havoc in the southern city of Hualien, causing numerous buildings to collapse. Authorities swiftly issued tsunami warnings for Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines. The seismic event was followed by a 6.5-magnitude aftershock, compounding the already dire situation.
