An earthquake struck the island of Taiwan early Wednesday, resulting in tragic consequences. The seismic event claimed the lives of four individuals and left more than 50 people injured in the mountainous eastern county of Hualien, where the epicenter was located. The disaster led to the collapse of at least 26 buildings, with over half of them situated in the city of Hualien. Rescue efforts are underway as approximately 20 individuals remain trapped in the rubble.
Images and videos circulating on social media depict the extent of the destruction, with buildings visibly shaken off their foundations. In Hualien, a five-story structure suffered severe damage, causing its first floor to collapse and the rest of the building to tilt at a precarious 45-degree angle. The impact of the earthquake was also felt in the capital city of Taipei, where tiles fell from older buildings and some newer office complexes were affected.
