Taiwan, a land known for its vibrant culture and technological prowess, has been recently rattled by a series of earthquakes, with the intensity reaching up to 6.3 on the Richter scale. The eastern county of Hualien, in particular, has been the epicenter of these seismic activities, experiencing several jolts late Monday night and into Tuesday morning. While minor damages have been reported, fortunately, there have been no casualties, and the major chip manufacturer, TSMC, reported no significant operational disruptions.
However, the situation takes a more ominous turn when we look back to April 3rd, when a powerful earthquake measuring 7.2 in magnitude struck Hualien, claiming the lives of at least 14 people. Since then, the region has been rocked by more than 1,000 aftershocks, underscoring the persistent threat of seismic activity in the area.
The Director of the Earthquake Science Center, Wu Chien-Fu, described these recent tremors as “localized energy releases,” suggesting that while more aftershocks could be expected, they might not reach catastrophic levels. Nevertheless, with heavy rainfall forecasted for Taiwan this week, residents of Hualien are advised to remain vigilant.
In the mountainous county of Hualien, reports have emerged of roads being closed due to landslides triggered by the earthquakes
As a precautionary measure, the government has suspended work and school activities for the day. Situated near the junction of two tectonic plates, Taiwan remains susceptible to earthquakes, highlighting the importance of robust disaster preparedness measures.
Despite the challenges posed by these seismic events, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer, reassured the public of minimal disruption to its operations. While a few employees were reportedly evacuated from some factories, overall facility and security systems remained operational, ensuring the safety of all employees.
As the resilient people of Taiwan navigate through these turbulent times, the earthquakes serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared in the face of adversity.