Taipei, Taiwan – A series of more than 80 earthquakes, with the strongest measuring at 6.3 magnitude, hit Taiwan’s east coast late Monday night and into the early hours of Tuesday, causing buildings in the capital Taipei to shake, according to the island’s weather administration.
The earthquakes centered around the rural eastern county of Hualien, where a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake on April 3 claimed at least 14 lives. Since then, Taiwan has experienced numerous aftershocks, keeping residents on edge.
Early Tuesday, the fire department in Hualien reported that a hotel, previously damaged during the April 3 earthquake, was now slightly leaning to one side. Thankfully, there were no reports of casualties resulting from these recent tremors.
Situated near the convergence of two tectonic plates, Taiwan is no stranger to seismic activity. In 2016, over 100 people lost their lives in a quake in southern Taiwan, while a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in 1999 claimed more than 2,000 lives.
The recent spate of earthquakes serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to such natural disasters. The resilience of Taiwan’s residents, as they navigate the aftermath and continue to rebuild, reflects the strength and solidarity of the community in the face of adversity.
As the cleanup and recovery efforts begin, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the safety of those residing in the affected regions. The earthquake-prone nation remains vigilant, ready to respond decisively to any future seismic events.