A Powerful Quake Rocks East Coast
A magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck Hualien County in the Taiwan region at 2:44 p.m. on September 18, shaking buildings and triggering landslides. The shallow quake, occurring just 10 kilometers underground, caused widespread damage and disrupted transportation routes. Residents reported feeling tremors across the island.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Local authorities confirmed one fatality and over 140 injuries as emergency teams rushed to clear debris. Drone footage captured by CGTN shows cracked roads and tilted structures near the epicenter. 💔 \"The sudden shaking knocked shelves over everywhere,\" said a witness via social media.
Why It Matters
- 💡 Hualien sits on the seismically active \"Ring of Fire\"
- 💡 Taiwan region experiences frequent quakes due to tectonic plate movements
- 💡 Shallow earthquakes often cause stronger surface shaking
While no tsunami warnings were issued, the event serves as a reminder for disaster preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.
Reference(s):
Aerial view of epicenter of quake in Taiwan region's Hualien
cgtn.com