Powerful Earthquake Hits Taiwan, Triggering Tsunami and Damaging Buildings in Southern City

On Wednesday, March 3, a devastating earthquake hit the entire island of Taiwan, causing widespread destruction. The quake collapsed buildings in a southern city and triggered a tsunami that reached southern Japanese islands.

A five-story building in Hualien suffered severe damage, with its first floor collapsing and the remaining structure tilting at a 45-degree angle. The city of Taipei also experienced the impact of the earthquake, with tiles falling from older buildings and some newer office complexes being affected.

Train and subway services were suspended across the island, affecting its 23 million inhabitants. However, the situation gradually returned to normal in Taipei, with children attending school and the morning commute resuming.

Seismic Activity Details

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2 according to Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency and 7.4 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, struck at 7:58 a.m. It originated approximately 18 kilometers south-southwest of Hualien and had a depth of about 35 kilometers (21 miles). Multiple aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 6.5 and a depth of 11.8 kilometers (7 miles), were felt in Taipei after the initial quake.

Tsunami Alert

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for the southern Japanese island group of Okinawa, forecasting waves of up to 3 meters (9.8 feet). A 30-centimeter (about 1 foot) wave was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island approximately 15 minutes after the earthquake. The agency also indicated that waves likely reached the coasts of Miyako and Yaeyama islands. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no threat to Hawaii or the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.

Historical Context

This earthquake is considered the most significant in Taiwan since 1999 when a temblor caused extensive damage. Taiwan is located in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for its high seismic activity due to the presence of numerous fault lines encircling the Pacific Ocean.