Taiwan: 200 Aftershocks After Quake

_{Photo: phys.org}

Hualien, a county in eastern Taiwan, experienced over 200 aftershocks late Monday and early Tuesday following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on April 3 that claimed at least 17 lives. Fortunately, these aftershocks caused only minor damage, with no casualties reported. Taiwan's major chipmaker, TSMC, assured that its operations remained unaffected.

The earthquakes affected various parts of Taiwan, including Taipei, where buildings swayed throughout the night, the largest quake measuring 6.3 magnitude. Despite the tremors, Taipei resident Aden Peng, 44, remained calm, relying on past experiences and the hope for the best.

The Central Weather Administration attributed the recent earthquakes to aftershocks from the April 3 quake, with Seismological Centre Director Wu Chien-fu warning of potential further disruptions, especially with heavy rain expected. President Tsai Ing-wen urged caution and shared safety guidelines on social media.

In Hualien, the fire department reported additional damage to already uninhabited buildings, though no casualties were reported. TSMC's factories on the western coast were unaffected, with only minor evacuations reported.

Despite concerns, investors remained optimistic, with TSMC's shares closing higher. In Hualien, some roads closed due to rockfalls, leading to the suspension of work and school. Taiwan's susceptibility to earthquakes, given its location near tectonic plate junctions, underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance.