HUALIEN, Taiwan. Taiwan was rocked by its most powerful earthquake in a quarter-century, claiming the lives of nine individuals and leaving 50 missing as the nation grapples with the aftermath. The quake, measuring at a magnitude of 7.2, struck off the coast near Hualien, a mountainous region in eastern Taiwan, causing widespread destruction and panic among residents.

Reports indicate that over 900 people have been injured, with scenes of chaos unfolding as rescuers race against time to locate survivors. Images broadcasted on television depict buildings teetering at precarious angles, while landslides compound the challenges faced by rescue teams.

Amidst the chaos, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency revealed a grim development: 70 miners are trapped in two coal mines in Hualien County. According to the agency, 64 individuals are stuck in one coal mine, with an additional six people stranded in another. Rescue efforts are underway to reach those trapped underground as swiftly as possible.

Chang Yu-lin, a 60-year-old hospital worker in Taipei, recounted the sheer force of the earthquake, stating, “It was very strong. It felt as if the house was going to topple.” Similarly, a local bed-and-breakfast owner in Hualien, who wished to remain anonymous, described the quake as the most significant she had ever experienced, highlighting the terror that gripped residents.

As rescue efforts intensify, authorities have evacuated dozens trapped in tunnels and are actively searching for the missing, including 50 hotel workers who were en route to the renowned Taroko Gorge National Park. President-elect Lai Ching-te emphasized the urgency of the situation, declaring, “At present the most important thing, the top priority, is to rescue people.”

The earthquake’s impact rippled beyond Taiwan’s borders, triggering a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines, although it was later lifted. Japan experienced several small tsunami waves, while the Philippines issued advisories to coastal residents to seek higher ground.

Meanwhile, in mainland China, the quake’s tremors were felt in Fujian province and as far as Shanghai. Aftershocks continued to reverberate in Taipei, with more than 50 recorded, keeping residents on edge.

Despite the widespread destruction, Taiwan’s infrastructure, including its high-speed rail network and nuclear power stations, remained largely intact. However, major semiconductor manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) reported evacuating some facilities as a precautionary measure, though operations are expected to resume soon.

The earthquake, ranked as an “Upper 6” intensity event by weather officials, stands as the most powerful since the devastating 1999 quake that claimed thousands of lives. With rescue operations underway and communities reeling from the trauma, Taiwan braces itself for the long road to recovery in the wake of this natural disaster.