The powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday caused extensive damage to numerous buildings and a major highway in Hualien, a city situated on the eastern coast, and resulted in power outages across the island.
Among the structures severely affected by the earthquake in Hualien were two tall buildings, which became the focal point of rescue operations. While much of the damage in the city was deemed non-life-threatening, there were reports of blocked roads and collapsed walls, as recounted by Huang Hsuan-wan, a local news site reporter.
Derik du Plessis, a 44-year-old South African resident of Hualien, described the chaotic scene shortly after the earthquake, with people frantically checking on their homes and ensuring the safety of their children. He mentioned the loss of a friend’s house in the disaster.
One of the buildings that suffered significant damage in Hualien was the Uranus Building, a 10-story structure housing a mix of residences and shops, which appeared tilted and at risk of collapse. Although many residents managed to evacuate, there were concerns about individuals trapped inside, particularly in the basement, as reported by Sunny Wang, a journalist based in the city.
Photographs depicting the aftermath of the earthquake in Hualien revealed a five-story building leaning precariously to one side, with crushed motorcycles strewn on the ground floor. Another high-rise building exhibited signs of structural damage, with fallen bricks causing cracks and holes in the walls.
In addition to the structural damage, the earthquake triggered at least nine landslides along the Suhua Highway in Hualien, leading to a partial collapse of the road, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.