A magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck the Taiwan region's Hualien County on September 18, causing widespread disruption and triggering emergency responses. The China Earthquake Networks Center reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, with preliminary reports confirming one fatality and over 140 injuries.
Drone footage captured by CGTN stringers shows collapsed buildings, damaged infrastructure, and landslides near the epicenter, illustrating the quake's intensity. Local authorities have mobilized rescue teams to assist affected communities, while residents shared harrowing accounts of the tremor on social media.
Taiwan lies on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, with Hualien County experiencing frequent earthquakes due to its proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. The island region has stringent building codes, though older structures remain vulnerable to strong tremors.
Global disaster response organizations are monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for rapid aid coordination in remote mountainous areas. Updates on recovery efforts and aftershock risks are expected in the coming days.
Reference(s):
Aerial view of epicenter of quake in Taiwan region's Hualien
cgtn.com
