Taiwan has experienced its most powerful earthquake in a quarter of a century, resulting in at least four fatalities and injuring 97 others. This has incited a tsunami warning from PRC, Japan, and the Philippines. The earthquake, which measured 7.3 on the magnitude scale, led to the collapse of no fewer than 26 buildings, particularly in the proximity of the quake’s centre in Hualien county, East Taiwan.
The tremor forced a pause in underground rail services in Taipei, the capital, and triggered power outages across southern and eastern parts of the island. This event marks Taiwan’s most intense quake since 1999, when a 7.6 magnitude event resulted in the death of 2,400 individuals and 50,000 damaged structures.
The aftermath of the quake saw a minor tsunami reaching the southern islands of Japan, although Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, reported no injuries or damage. He advised residents in the Okinawa region to seek shelter on higher ground until any tsunami warnings were rescinded.
Taiwan’s lead producers of advanced microchips, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), partially suspended operations as a consequence of the earthquake. Additional semiconductor manufacturers also witnessed partial operational shutdowns temporarily. TCMP reassured its commitment to personnel safety, with evacuations following company protocol, and affirmed it is presently ascertaining the details of the quake’s impact.
Geographically, Taiwan is located off China’s southern coast and has become a point of contention between Washington and Beijing, with the latter advocating for Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland. The U.S., alongside the majority of global nations, observes a One China policy, hence no official diplomatic ties exist with Taiwan. Yet, Washington and its partners remain dedicated to preserving Taiwan’s current status of self-government as an independent democracy.
Although Beijing claims to seek peaceful reunification with Taiwan, it reserves the right to apply force should Taiwan seek formal independence. After the quake, Taipei resident Hsien-hsuen Keng noted that while earthquakes are not uncommon, this was the first instance he felt genuine fear, admitting he was awoken due to the severity of the tremors.
“She narrated that the tremors she experienced in her apartment on the fifth floor were so severe, it was her first encounter since the earthquake drills in primary school. The chief of Taiwan’s earthquake surveillance agency, Wu Chien-fu, confirmed that the impact was perceived as far as Kinmen, an island under Taiwanese administration, located near China’s coastline. Chinese press also validated that the quake was noticed in Shanghai and in multiple provinces across its south-eastern shoreline. Additional information was gained from AP reports.”