In the wake of the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Hualien county in eastern Taiwan on April 3, the region has been experiencing a swarm of aftershocks. However, despite the tremors, only minor damage has been reported, and thankfully, there have been no additional casualties.
Quaking Aftershocks Bring Unease
As night fell on Monday and into Tuesday morning, the quake-stricken county of Hualien was rocked by dozens of aftershocks. These tremors, ranging in magnitude from 4 to 6.3, sent tremors through buildings across northern, eastern, and western Taiwan, even reaching the capital, Taipei. While all of the aftershocks were relatively shallow, they served as a stark reminder of the power of the original quake.
Expert Insight: Aftershocks Continue, Preparedness Crucial
According to Wu Chien-fu, Director of Taiwan’s Seismological Centre, the series of aftershocks is a “concentrated release of energy” from the April 3 earthquake. He further warned that while the aftershocks may be less intense, they could still continue.
With heavy rainfall forecasted throughout Taiwan this week, Wu emphasized the need for Hualien residents to remain alert and prepared for any potential disruptions to infrastructure or services.
Minimal Damage and No Casualties
Inspectors from the Hualien fire department have reported that two buildings, previously unoccupied due to damage sustained on April 3, suffered further structural damage and are now leaning. Fortunately, no casualties have been linked to these incidents.
Minimal Impact on Chipmaking Giant TSMC
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading contract chipmaker, promptly confirmed that operations at its factories on the island’s western coast remain unaffected. TSMC reported that some employees at a limited number of facilities were temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure, but all facilities and safety systems quickly resumed normal operation.
“Currently, we do not expect any impact on operations,” stated TSMC in an official email. Investors remained unfazed by the earthquake, as TSMC’s Taipei-listed shares rose by 1.75% on Tuesday.
Closures and Cautious Respite in Hualien
In the mountainous county of Hualien, several roads remain closed following rockfalls caused by the earthquake. In response, local authorities have suspended school and government operations for the day.
Taiwan’s Seismic History and Risk Mitigation
Taiwan is located at the junction of two tectonic plates, making it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. The island has weathered several deadly seismic events in recent decades, including a quake in southern Taiwan that claimed over 100 lives in 2016, and a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake in 1999 that resulted in more than 2,000 fatalities.
In light of this, Taiwan has implemented robust earthquake-preparedness measures, including building code regulations, emergency response plans, and public education campaigns. While the recent earthquake and aftershocks have disrupted life in Hualien, the relatively low level of damage and the swift response of authorities and emergency services demonstrate Taiwan’s seismic resilience.
