TAIPEI. Taiwan’s eastern county of Hualien, still reeling from a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake earlier this month, was shaken by more than 200 aftershocks late Monday and early Tuesday. Fortunately, only minor damage was reported, with no casualties, and major chipmaker TSMC reassured of uninterrupted operations.
The seismic activity, a continuation of tremors since the April 3 earthquake that claimed at least 17 lives, rattled buildings across northern, eastern, and western Taiwan, including the capital, Taipei. The strongest aftershock measured at 6.3 magnitude, prompting concern among residents.
“Especially at 2 a.m., it shook very strongly. In fact, for a moment even I thought about rushing downstairs, but as we live on the sixth floor, I felt it a bit troublesome to go down,” shared Taipei resident Aden Peng, reflecting on the unsettling experience. “Then again, according to my previous experience, I thought it should be fine and hoped it would be fine.”
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration attributed the aftershocks to the April 3 quake, cautioning of further seismic activity. Seismological Centre Director Wu Chien-fu emphasized the likelihood of additional aftershocks but anticipated they might not be as intense.
As heavy rain looms over Taiwan this week, President Tsai Ing-wen urged vigilance, advising people to avoid mountainous areas and adhere to safety protocols in the event of an earthquake.
Despite some buildings in Hualien suffering additional damage, no casualties were reported. TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, confirmed the safety of its personnel and the stability of its operations, alleviating concerns among investors.
“Investors brushed off concerns about the quake, with TSMC’s Taipei-listed shares closing up 1.6% on Tuesday,” signaling confidence in the company’s resilience.
While road closures due to rockfalls were reported in mountainous Hualien county, the government took precautionary measures by suspending work and school for the day. Taiwan, situated at the convergence of tectonic plates, is susceptible to earthquakes, with historical precedents underscoring the nation’s vulnerability to seismic events.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
