- Restless Wednesday night
- What happened in the Asian region
- Victims of shaking ground
- Aftermath of the earthquake on the island
- International response to the disaster
Restless Wednesday night
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Okinawa on the night of 3 April. Its epicenter was located off the east coast of Taiwan. A tsunami warning was issued immediately after the earthquake.
According to the island's Central Meteorological Service, the earthquake was the strongest in Taiwan in 25 years. According to fire and rescue officials, at least 1 person was killed and 50 others injured.
What happened in the Asian region
Japanese meteorologists estimated the magnitude of the first earthquake at 7.5, but later increased the rating to 7.7.
The first earthquake was immediately followed by a second. The Japanese rated it at 6.
The Taiwan Meteorological Service indicated that the magnitude of the earthquakes was 7.2 and 6.5[1].
Four more aftershocks of 5.4 magnitude subsequently occurred east of Taiwan. In total, according to the Central Meteorological Service, about 30 aftershocks of up to magnitude 6.5 were recorded.
The island's Central Information Agency, citing seismologists, warned that new earthquakes of up to magnitude 7 could soon shake Taiwan.
Victims of shaking ground
Firefighters and rescuers reported that at least 1 person was killed on the island, and 50 others were injured.
An eight-story house partially collapsed in the Hualiano district. Eight people were left stranded in the rubble.
Taipei decided to use the military for the rescue operation and earthquake relief[2].
Aftermath of the earthquake on the island
About 15 minutes after the earthquake, the NHK television channel reported that the tsunami had reached Jionguni Island off Taiwan's coast.
Later, Japanese meteorologists reported that the tsunami had struck the coast of Isigaki Island.
Several buildings were destroyed in Hualian, Taiwan.
More than 87,000 households on the island were left without electricity after the earthquake.
The earthquake that rocked Taiwan caused the suspension of train services in the Chinese city of Guangzhou.
Flights were canceled at Okinawa Airport in Japan, and evacuations are underway due to the tsunami risk[3].
International response to the disaster
China is on the highest alert level due to the threat of a tsunami.
Japan has assured that it is ready to provide assistance to Taiwan if necessary.
China has informed us that it is monitoring the situation and is ready to come to the rescue.
