6.4 Magnitude Earthquake in Taiwan Tilts Several High-Rise Buildings

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Taiwan on Tuesday, February 6. Reports indicate that several victims are trapped under the rubble of a building. The United States Geological Survey announced that the earthquake occurred 21 kilometers northeast of Hualien on Taiwan's eastern coast. William Lai, the Prime Minister of Taiwan, stated in an emergency government meeting that "unfortunately, two people have died and 114 have sustained minor injuries". The official news agency of Taiwan reported that the "Marshall Hotel" building in Hualien has collapsed, and it is likely that several victims are trapped inside. The news agency published photos of cracked roads. Some reports have indicated that nearly 30 people are trapped in this hotel. The earthquake occurred at 11:50 PM local time. Other Taiwanese media reported that besides the Marshall Hotel, which has collapsed on its first floor, another hotel named "Beautiful Life Hotel" has also been damaged and its structure has tilted. The earthquake on Tuesday followed foreshocks that began on Saturday. This area, known as the "Ring of Fire", is the center of many earthquakes, from Alaska to Southeast Asia. In the past three days, nearly 100 minor earthquakes have shaken the area. Taiwanese media, citing a local government spokesperson, reported that rescue teams have been dispatched to Hualien. Initial reports indicate that the earthquake's epicenter was at a depth of 9.5 kilometers. According to Reuters, the damage to the hotel has caused the nearby highway to be closed. No exact casualty figures have been reported yet. Additionally, no tsunami warning has been issued by the Taiwanese government. The government stated that only three people are trapped in the Marshall Hotel. Hualien is a coastal area that attracts many tourists. Several buildings, including a military hospital, have tilted due to the earthquake's tremors. According to government sources, two bridges are also unusable due to existing cracks. The Presidential Office of Taiwan announced that all cabinet members have been called to an emergency meeting. This earthquake coincides with the anniversary of a similarly powerful earthquake that shook Tainan city in southern Taiwan two years ago, which left over 100 dead.