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Tokyo: A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 strikes northeast Taiwan east shortly before 8:00 am (0000 GMT) local time Wednesday, sending tremors through Taipei. Tsunami warnings have been issued following the seismic event, heightening concerns for coastal regions. The quake’s intensity has been confirmed by both NHK and JMA, underscoring the severity of the situation. Authorities are closely monitoring developments as residents brace for potential aftershocks and coastal inundation.
The tremors from the earthquake were so powerful that they were felt as far away as Taipei, Taiwan’s capital. In Hualien City, close to the epicenter, buildings were reported to have been shaken off their foundations, showcasing the quake’s devastating potential. In response to the seismic activity, Japan issued a tsunami alert for the Okinawa island group, with the first waves reportedly reaching the Miyako and Yaeyama islands. The discrepancy in magnitude measurements between Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency and the U.S. Geological Survey highlights the challenges in accurately assessing seismic events in real-time.
The earthquake’s immediate impact was felt strongly in Taipei, where buildings shook and residents sought safety. Emergency services were responding promptly, assessing damage and providing guidance to those affected. Due to the issuance of tsunami warning, vigilance has been increased on the coast, evacuation plans are being prepared in case the situation worsens.
Tsunami waves as high as three metres (10 feet) were expected immediately for remote Japanese islands in the region, including Miyakojima island, the agency said.
“Evacuate!” said a banner on Japanese national broadcaster NHK.
“Tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately,” an anchor on NHK said. “Do not stop. Do not go back.”
Live TV footage from the Okinawa region’s ports, including Naha, showed vessels heading out to sea, possibly in efforts to protect their ships.
Taiwan is regularly hit by earthquakes because the island lies near the junction of two tectonic plates.
A 7.6-magnitude jolt hit Taiwan in September 1999, killing around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disaster in the island’s history.
Japan experiences around 1,500 jolts every year.
Taiwan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is no stranger to seismic activity. However, this latest incident stands out because of its magnitude and the potential threat of a tsunami. Over the past few years, Taiwan has enhanced its earthquake preparedness strategies, including building codes designed to withstand seismic forces and public education campaigns on emergency preparedness.
Since there is a strong possibility of aftershocks, officials and scientists are closely monitoring seismic activity in the area. The focus is particularly on ensuring the safety of residents in tsunami-prone coastal areas. Communities are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow all safety instructions.
