03 Apr 2024 | 01:16 AM UTC
Taiwan: Magnitude-7.4 earthquake strikes Hualien County at 07:58 April 3 /update 1
Magnitude-7.4 earthquake strikes Hualien County, Taiwan, at 07:58 April 3. Significant damage likely.
A severe magnitude-7.4 earthquake occurred in Hualien County at around 07:58 April 3. The epicenter was 18 km (11 miles) south-southwest of Hualien City, Taiwan. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 35 km (22 miles), and very strong shaking was likely felt near the epicenter in Hualien County, with strong to moderate shaking likely across the rest of Taiwan. The temblor has triggered a tsunami warning; hazardous waves of 1-3 meters (0.3-09 feet) above the tide level are possible along some coasts of Taiwan and mainland China and tsunami waves reaching 0.3-1 meters (0.1-0.3 feet) are possible across some coasts of Japan. Smaller tsunami waves of less than 0.3 meters (0.1 feet) are possible along some coasts of Guam, Indonesia, Northern Marianas, Palau, Philippines, North Korea, South Korea, and Vietnam. The Taiwan Central Meteorological Administration has issued a tsunami warning for most of Taiwan. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a red (middle level on a three-tier scale) tsunami warning for Okinawa Prefecture.
Significant damage and casualties are likely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. A magnitude 6.5 earthquake occurred at 08:11 April 3. Further strong aftershocks are likely over the coming days.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible where shaking occurs. Reports indicate that the metro systems in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung cities have been suspended; the suspension is expected to last 40-60 minutes. Several buildings in Hualien City have collapsed. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Tsunamis can be long-duration events, and the threat may persist for hours. Aftershocks could cause additional damage. Cellular networks may be overwhelmed.
Vacate multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Move away from the immediate coastline as a precaution due to the potential for tsunamis. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.
