A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.3 jolted Hualien County in the Taiwan region early Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and leaving hundreds injured, according to local authorities 😢.
Described as \"the strongest quake the region has seen since 1999\" by an official from the local earthquake center during a press conference, the quake struck at 7:58 a.m. The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reported that the epicenter was off the coast of Hualien County, at a depth of 12 kilometers beneath the surface 🌊.
The tremor was felt across the island of Taiwan, causing rockslides in mountainous areas and leading to dangerous conditions. As of 4:30 p.m., Taiwan's health and welfare agency confirmed the death toll at nine, with rescue operations ongoing.
Additionally, over 80,000 households are still experiencing power outages ⚡, and some buildings have either collapsed or are observed to be tilting, raising concerns about aftershocks and structural safety.
Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines as aftershocks continue to impact the region. Emergency services and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide aid and restore essential services 💪.
This quake serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature 🌏. Our thoughts are with the residents of the Taiwan region during this challenging time.
Reference(s):
M7.3 earthquake hits China's Taiwan, aftershocks impact region
cgtn.com
