(Photos): This is how rescue efforts are progressing in Taiwan after a strong 7.4 earthquake

A devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the east coast of Taiwan in the early hours of this Wednesday, leaving at least nine people dead and 821 injured, according to official reports.

This earthquake, the most severe since the tragic event in 1999 that caused more than two thousand deaths, had its epicenter in the sea, about 25 kilometers southeast of Hualien county.

The tragedy was concentrated in Hualien county, where the first four fatalities were recorded. Three hikers lost their lives in Taroko National Park, while a truck driver suffered a fatal accident caused by a rockslide on the Suhua Highway.

In addition, the earthquake left a wide trail of injuries, distributed in several regions of the country, with 44 in Hualien, seven in New Taipei, two in Yilan, and several in important cities such as Keelung, Taipei, Taoyuan and Taichung.

Authorities, relying on data from the Emergency Response Center, continue to evaluate the extent of the injuries.

Extensive material damage

The earthquake not only claimed lives but also caused significant property damage. Numerous buildings and infrastructure in Hualien were damaged, with at least two residential blocks reported to have partially collapsed.

The emergency caused the closure of several roads, further complicating the situation by leaving people and vehicles trapped. So far, 933 incidents related to the disaster have been reported, including damage to civil infrastructure and buildings.

The crisis also affected the industry, forcing the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's leading producer of semiconductors, to evacuate part of its staff, although its security systems are reported to operate without setbacks.

Testimony from Taipei

The earthquake was strongly felt even in the capital, Taipei, where Foreign students experienced moments of anguish.

Brenda Hesse, from Argentina, and Mauricio Garcete, from Paraguay, shared their experiences, highlighting the intense feeling of vulnerability and bewilderment about the magnitude of the damage.

Rubén Almendros, a Spanish researcher, described the situation in his residence, marked by chaos and the lack of basic services such as electricity and water, after the earthquake.

Faced with this catastrophe, President Tsai Ing-wen has asked the population to remain calm and prepare for possible aftershocks, which could reach a magnitude of between 6.5 and 7 degrees in the coming days.

The president, accompanied by the prime minister, Chen Chien-jen has personally supervised the response efforts in the face of the disaster, ensuring that the government is fully committed to providing all necessary assistance.

Meanwhile, the international community remains attentive to the development of events, especially given the warnings from the Japan Meteorological Agency about the risk of new earthquakes, despite having lifted the tsunami alert for Okinawa.

More news

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on information from EFE and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.