Three of the deceased victims were part of a group of hikers. They might have been hit by rocks. The fourth victim was a truck driver. His vehicle was hit by a landslide.
The death toll could still rise. Buildings have also collapsed in the coastal city of Hualien and elsewhere, leaving about 20 people trapped under the rubble. Rescue work is in full swing.
1999
According to the seismological service, it was probably the strongest quake since 1999. The epicenter was located southeast of Hualien.
Television images show that buildings there have sagged and fallen serpents. Bulldozers are used to remove debris from access roads.
TSMC
Taiwan is also home to the important chip maker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). According to an employee, work had to be stopped there briefly.
The quake was also noticed abroad. People in China’s Fujian province and the metropolis of Hong Kong said they had felt earthquakes on social media.
Building regulations
The island state is regularly rocked by earthquakes. That is why strict building regulations apply.
