Taiwan’s largest earthquake in 25 years kills nine

On Wednesday, Apr.3, the east coast of Taiwan was shaken due to a 7.4 magnitude earthquake for the first time in 25 years (Wikimedia Commons).

At around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 3, the east coast of Taiwan was abruptly shaken due to a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. As of now, it has been confirmed that at least nine people were killed and thousands have been injured. This is the first major earthquake in Taiwan since 1999, when an earthquake of a similar magnitude killed 2,400 people. 

According to The New York Times, despite the casualties, Taiwan was very well prepared, “Perhaps because of improvements in building codes, greater public awareness, and highly trained search-and-rescue operations—and, likely, a dose of good luck—the casualty figures were relatively low.” This preparation does not neglect the countless other individuals injured and buildings that have been damaged or collapsed, however. The immensity of the earthquake led to a depth of about 21 miles where it may take authorities and people alike multiple weeks to reach or assist anyone who needs it. 

Not only did people in Taiwan have to handle the earthquake, but the aftershocks caused additional concerns in surrounding areas. In the 24 hours immediately following the earthquake, more than 300 aftershocks were reported. Many buildings, due to either the earthquake itself or the aftershocks, have tilted, creating an added threat for civilians. Over 100,000 buildings across Taiwan, including 300 schools, were completely or partially damaged. 

During the earthquake, many citizens attempted to save as many possessions from their homes as possible before they were destroyed. Unfortunately, though, innumerable items were lost and ruined by the quake. A resident of Taiwan, Chen Ching-ming, reported to The New York Times, “I’ll lose a lot of valuable things—a fridge, a microwave, a washing machine,” he said, “All gone.” While Ching-ming was able to save his television and bedding, several expensive necessities perished.

Since the last massive earthquake in 1999, Taiwan has made mass improvements to assist wounded civilians as quickly as possible. As a result, just 24 hours after this recent earthquake, thousands of injured people in Taiwan were given the aid they needed to survive. One prominent organization, the Tzu Chi Foundation, “provided tents for families to use inside the school hall so they could have more privacy. Huang Yu-chi, a disaster relief manager with the foundation, said nonprofits had learned from earlier disasters.” It seems evident that the people living in Taiwan are well-equipped to deal with disasters similar to the recent earthquake. 

Following the quake, there have been rows of tents and boxes of food and water provided for those who have had their homes destroyed. It has been explained by the Taiwan government that there will be fines assessed to new construction firms for buildings, schools, and roads to be reconstructed. Furthermore, people in Taiwan, China’s southeast coast, and parts of the Philippines are still on alert as there have been many tremors, tsunami warnings, and evacuation notices.