Taiwan—
On April 3rd, 2024, the Taiwanese government reported a heavy earthquake in the city of Hualien on the eastern island of Taiwan, causing nine casualties and more than 1,011 people injured in minor to serious conditions.
It was reported by Taiwanese media that the magnitude 7.3 earthquake is Taiwan’s most powerful earthquake in 25 years.
Mr. Lai Ching-te, the president-elect of Taiwan, reportedly inspected the damaged area and publicly revealed that the government was investigating reports of more than 70 mine workers stuck inside two mines. It was reported that the mine workers were safe and healthy but trapped inside the mines and the government would put all effort into rescuing them with haste.
Taiwanese rescue teams were dispatched to Hualien City and deployed rescue machines to search for victims who were stuck inside the buildings. However, the number of victims stuck under buildings fluctuated as there were many incoming reports and the search area was vague.
After the massive earthquake, more than 24 landslides occurred from aftershock effects, causing roads, bridges, and tunnels to have structural damage. Some parts of Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport were slightly affected by the earthquake as well.
At 9:50 AM, on April 4th, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin publicly revealed that there were no Thai casualties or injuries reported from the Thailand Trade and Economic Office (Taipei).
