HUALIEN (TVBS News) — Following a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Hualien early Wednesday (April 3), Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang announced disruptions to the area's railway and highway systems, with hopes to reopen railway one-way traffic by Thursday morning.
Originating at a depth of 15.5 kilometers, the quake caused significant damage and traffic disruptions across Hualien.
The region experienced a 6.5 magnitude quake at 8:11, followed by a 6.2 magnitude aftershock at 10:14. Landslides have severely impacted the Suhua Highway and caused two buildings in Hualien to tilt, with 22 individuals rescued by early afternoon.
By noon, 58 aftershocks were reported, including two exceeding magnitude 6.
The Central Disaster Response Center reported nine deaths, 821 injuries, and 127 people trapped as of 4:30 p.m. local time. Residents have been advised to brace for potential aftershocks, which could reach or exceed 6.5 magnitude in the next three days.