In a stark reminder of April’s tragic events, Taiwan was rattled by a series of earthquakes, notably a 6.3 magnitude tremor, reigniting fears and caution among its residents. The seismic activity, spanning across northern, eastern, and western Taiwan, including the capital Taipei, prompted a flurry of responses and reminders of safety protocols from authorities.
“Especially at 2 a.m., it shook very strongly. In fact, for a moment even I thought about rushing downstairs, but as we live on the sixth floor, I felt it a bit troublesome to go down,” shared Taipei resident Aden Peng, reflecting the apprehension gripping the affected populace.
The Central Weather Administration attributed the tremors to aftershocks from the significant quake earlier this month, tallying over 200 instances. Seismological experts cautioned that while further aftershocks were expected, they might not reach the same intensity.
With heavy rainfall forecasted for the week ahead, concerns over potential disruptions escalated, particularly in Hualien. President Tsai Ing-wen took to social media, urging vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared.
The Hualien fire department reported structural damage to two buildings, compounding existing challenges in the region. However, no casualties were reported. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), a key player in the region, assured minimal impact on operations despite some evacuations at select facilities.
Despite the upheaval, investors displayed resilience, with TSMC’s shares closing positively. However, in mountainous Hualien county, road closures due to rockfalls disrupted daily life, leading to the suspension of work and school activities.
As Taiwan grapples with the aftermath of these seismic events, the nation’s vulnerability to earthquakes underscores the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters.
