On Wednesday, April 3, a powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the east coast of Taiwan, followed by numerous aftershocks reaching up to a magnitude of 6.5.
The Central Meteorological Administration of Taiwan reports that the epicenter was located 25 km southeast of Hualien City, off the eastern coast of the island, at a depth of 15.5 km.
Reports indicate that an eight-story residential building in Hualien County partially collapsed, with additional damage reported elsewhere.
This marks the strongest earthquake to hit the island in the past 25 years.
Tragically, at least four people have been reported dead, with over 100 casualties known. Information regarding earthquake victims is still being clarified.
The tremors were also felt in Japan.
Taiwan sits within the seismically active zone of the Pacific Ocean. On average, the area experiences three earthquakes of magnitude greater than 6 each year. In September 1999, a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake claimed the lives of 2,400 people.
