On April 3rd, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center, a seismic event measuring a magnitude as high as 7.3 struck the sea area off Hualien County, Taiwan (23.81 degrees north latitude, 121.74 degrees east longitude) at 07:58 a.m. local time. The quake's depth was recorded at 12 kilometers.
This earthquake has instilled immense fear and anxiety among local residents, with reports emerging of buildings leaning, damaged structures, and even individuals trapped in certain areas.
Post-earthquake observations revealed suspicions among some citizens regarding the displacement and apparent "cracking" of the tracks between Touqianzhuang and Xinpu Minsheng stations on the New Taipei Circular Line of the metro.
In swift response, New Taipei Metro Company has assured the public that they are actively investigating the situation to understand its specifics. They emphasized that the track segment in question was originally designed with "eccentric columns". They will meticulously verify the safety of each pillar to ensure the safety of public transit.
Simultaneously, the tilting of two buildings on Beibin Street and Xuan Yuan Road in Hualien County has garnered significant attention. The leaning of a building on Beibin Street prompted some residents to self-evacuate by climbing down the structure, while the Xuan Yuan Road's Tianwangxing Building is an 8-story edifice.
At least five individuals are currently trapped on the 5th, 6th floors, and in the basement. Fire department units have been urgently dispatched to conduct rescue operations. Given the profound impact of the earthquake, the county government has declared a suspension of work and classes across the entire county to cope with aftershocks and potential subsequent disaster scenarios.
