Taiwan Earthquake Update: Largest Tremor in 25 Years Followed by Over 300 Aftershocks, Death Toll Rises to 10 with More Than 1,000 Injured

The Taiwan earthquake with an intensity of magnitude 7.4 earlier this week has been considered as the strongest earthquake in the country in the past 25 years. After the powerful seismic event on Wednesday, April 3, hundreds of aftershocks were recorded across the region. The 7.4-magnitude quake also caused multiple casualties, with a death toll rising to 10 and more than 1,000 injured people.

Meanwhile, almost 700 people were trapped or out of contact as of Thursday, April 4, according to Taiwanese authorities. Wednesday's tremor also prompted the issuance of tsunami warnings on the island nation and its surrounding countries, including the Philippines. Meanwhile, a day after the Taiwan earthquake, a magnitude 6 seismic event also occurred off the east coast of Honshu City in Japan on Thursday.

Hualien City Earthquake

(Photo : Photo by Timo Volz on Unsplash)

Wednesday's Taiwan earthquake, dubbed as the "Hualien City earthquake," has left Taiwan citizens "terrified" following the 300 aftershocks from the main identifiable earthquake, according to reports as of Thursday. With around 690 people still stranded, search-and-rescue operations are still ongoing as some survivors are presumed to be under falling debris as the 7.4-magnitude earthquake impacted residential and commercial establishments.

The high intensity of the recent Taiwan earthquake, which occurred near the eastern coastal city of Hualien, was felt by residents in mainland Taiwan. As of Thursday afternoon (local time), some Hualien inhabitants were reported to be staying in tents, and the main road linking to the capital city of Taipei remains closed. The country's largest earthquake in at least 25 years caused widespread damage, including on roads.

Since Monday, April 1, Taiwan's Central Weather Administration's Seismological Center recorded a total of 477 earthquakes, wherein the majority had occurred off the coast of Hualien County. The data provided by the Taiwanese seismic agency shows that the 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday was preceded by smaller tremors. In the coming hours and days, further aftershocks are expected across the region.

Also Read: Magnitude 5.4 Earthquake Strikes Taiwan; No Damage or Injuries Reported

Japan Earthquake

Japan, which is near Taiwan, experienced a 6-magnitude earthquake off Honshu City in the country's east coast on Thursday. However, there were no reports of significant casualties or damage. Earlier this year, Japan experienced a powerful 7.6-magnitude quake on January 1, causing the deaths of at least four people and triggering tsunami warnings.

The occurrence of strong earthquakes in Japan and Taiwan may not come as a surprise, since both countries sit on the western edge of the Pacific "Ring of Fire." This is a horseshoe-shaped region across the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes and volcanic activities are common due to intense seismic activity. The Ring of Fire extends to the Americas, which includes the western part of Canada, the United States, Mexico, and adjacent countries in Central America and South America.

Over the past several decades, major earthquakes have been recorded within this seismically active region of Earth, with some related events resulting in tsunami waves and strong seismic shockwaves.