Taiwan's Most Severe Earthquake in 25 Years Leaves 9 Dead and 900 Injured

The largest earthquake in a quarter-century in Taiwan has left 9 dead. Following the earthquake that shook eastern Taiwan at 8 AM on Wednesday, April 3, tsunami warnings were issued for Taiwan and parts of southern Japan and the Philippines. Reuters also reported the disappearance of 50 workers who were traveling by minibus to a hotel in Taroko National Park. The Taiwan Seismological Center announced that the epicenter of the earthquake was near the sparsely populated eastern coast of Taiwan and that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 15.5 kilometers. Some buildings located at precarious angles in the mountainous and sparsely populated Hualien area were tilted, and massive landslides occurred in the region. Strong aftershocks in Taipei led to the temporary shutdown of the metro system. Fire department officials reported that nearly 70 people, including two Germans, were rescued from tunnels near the city. So far, more than 50 aftershocks have been recorded in Taipei. The government has reported 946 injuries. Lai Ching-te, the elected president of Taiwan, visiting the earthquake-affected area, stated, "The main priority right now is to rescue people." Lai, who is set to take office in May, told reporters that the railway in the area is expected to reopen on Thursday. In Japan, the meteorological agency reported the earthquake's magnitude as 7.7 and noted that several small tsunami waves reached parts of the southern Okinawa prefecture. In the Philippines, seismological officials warned coastal residents in several provinces to move to higher ground. Chinese state media reported that the earthquake was felt in Fujian province in southeastern China, but a witness told Reuters that it was also felt in the commercial center of Shanghai. TSMC, a semiconductor manufacturing giant located in the affected area, stated in a release that production line staff were evacuated to ensure their safety. TSMC's stock temporarily fell by more than one percent. The extent of damages and injuries has yet to be assessed. Meanwhile, the White House announced that the United States is ready to provide any assistance to Taiwan.