Taipei: Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush on April 3, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. Four people have been reported dead and more than 50 injured in Taiwan, while the tsunami threat largely passed about two hours after the quake. A five-story building in the lightly populated southeastern coastal city of Hualien near the epicentre appeared heavily damaged, collapsing its first floor and leaving the rest leaning at a 45-degree angle. The National Fire Agency said four people died in Hualien County.
In the capital, tiles fell from older buildings and within some newer office complexes, while debris fell from some building sites. Schools evacuated their students to sports fields, equipping them with yellow safety helmets. Some also covered themselves with textbooks to guard against falling objects as aftershocks continued.
Train service was suspended across the island of 23 million people, as was subway service in Taipei, where a newly constructed above-ground line partially separated. The national legislature, a converted school built before World War II, also had damage to walls and ceilings.
IMPORTANT ADVISORY
In view of the earthquake striking off the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of Wednesday, 03 April 2024, the following emergency helpline has been setup by India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian…
— India Taipei Association 印度台北協會 (@ita_taipei) April 3, 2024
Traffic along the east coast was at a virtual standstill, with landslides and falling debris hitting tunnels and highways in the mountainous region. Those caused damage to vehicles, though it wasn’t clear if anyone was hurt.
Despite the quake striking at the height of the morning rush hour just before 8 a.m., the initial panic faded quickly on the island that is regularly rocked by temblors and prepares for them with drills at schools and notices issued via public media and mobile phone.
Taiwan’s FPCC shuts Mailiao refinery port
Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical has stopped operations at its port at the Mailiao refinery as a precautionary measure following an earthquake, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The company is expected to resume operations on Wednesday afternoon.
