7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Taiwan: 7 Dead, 711 Injured

Taiwan’s Central Meteorological Administration reported a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Hualien, Taiwan, marking the largest quake in 25 years. The seismic event caused buildings to collapse, triggered landslides in mountainous areas, and halted train and subway services across Taiwan. The Taiwan National Fire Service confirmed 7 fatalities and 711 injuries in Hualien. Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen mobilized the army for rescue operations, while power outages were mostly resolved, and nuclear plants remained unaffected. The earthquake prompted tsunami warnings in neighboring countries, including Japan and the Philippines. Both Japan and China offered aid to Taiwan in response to the disaster.