Taiwan Earthquake: Seven People Confirmed Dead and 736 Injured

The number of deaths has increased in Taiwan Earthquake. At least seven people have been confirmed dead and 736 injured with the worst damage reported in the eastern city of Hualien and the mountainous countryside surrounding it. Dozens of people are trapped. 

An earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude hit off Taiwan’s eastern coast at 7.58am (23:58 GMT) on Wednesday and was felt in the capital Taipei as well as in southern Japan, eastern China and the Philippines.

The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) later revised the magnitude to 7.7 from 7.5. Taiwan put the magnitude at 7.2, while the USGS said it was 7.4.

Authorities in Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines issued tsunami warnings, which were later lifted.

Much of Taiwan is back online, things are going back to normal but there is a lot of attention and concern about the epicentre: Hualien county, which has been largely cut off from most of the rest of Taiwan.

Roads, bridges, tunnels – many of them have been severely damaged, some have collapsed and it’s very difficult for rescue workers to get there.

A number of people are still trapped in buildings, with several structures teetering very close to collapse.

It’s very difficult for help to get in those areas. In fact, the military has been called in to try and get aid and rescue workers to the people who need them the most.

One of the biggest concerns is the fact that this area has one of Taiwan’s biggest military bases. So we’re hearing now that the Ministry of National Defense is taking stock of its military hardware to check for damage. There is concern that some of that hardware and apparatus has been affected.

Also a big issue for Hualien county is that this happened before a long weekend, it’s a big tourist centre and many of the people who live there rely on tourist dollars, which means that many of those visitors that were supposed to go there cannot get there right now.

But all efforts are now focused on trying to get to the people the help they need.

Read more: Taiwan 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Kills Four and Dozens Injured