Taiwan hit by strongest earthquake in 25 years

Yesterday, an earthquake of around 7.2 magnitude struck the southwest of Hualien City, Taiwan.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has reported at least 58 aftershocks followed the primary earthquake. One of the subsequent earthquakes reaching 6.5 in magnitude.

The earthquake’s impact prompted a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines, which has now been lifted.

According to the USGS, the earthquake’s epicentre was located about 18km (11 miles) southwest of Hualien City and was about 35km (21 miles) deep.

Situated on the island’s east coast, Hualien City is the gateway to one of the countries most scenic locations: the Taroko Gorge, making it a popular tourism spot.

It has been reported that at least two foreign citizens from Canada remain trapped in Taroko Gorge. While according to a German news agency, two German citizens were rescued from a tunnel on the Suhua Highway.

Is it safe now?

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration has warned that the country could still be hit by aftershocks as high as magnitude 7 over the next three days.

Taiwan is positioned on a tectonic boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate. Given the frequency of earthquakes in the country, the government has emergency measures in place for natural disasters.

Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's president, confirmed that soldiers would be deployed for rescue and recovery operations across the country. A disaster response centre has been established in Hualien.

Stéphan Malvoisin, Vice President, Travel Security for the US at Crisis24, recently discussed with ITIJ key ways to manage the top travel risks of this year.