Taiwan earthquake triggers aftershocks: bridge Sways, citizens brace for further tremors

At 07:58 on April 3rd, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck in the sea area of Hualien County, Taiwan, with a depth of 12 kilometers. Taiwanese citizens captured footage showing a major bridge shaking violently, causing motor vehicles to come to a halt. Motorcyclists could be seen bracing themselves with both feet on the ground, swaying with the movement of the bridge. Additionally, lamp posts along the roadside swayed back and forth, while an overhead railway bridge trembled vigorously, emitting loud vibrations.

According to data from the Taiwan Meteorological Agency, within 8 hours after the earthquake, a total of 128 aftershocks occurred. Among them, there were 2 earthquakes with magnitudes above 6, 12 earthquakes with magnitudes between 5 and 5.9, and 61 earthquakes with magnitudes between 4 and 4.9. In total, there were 75 aftershocks with magnitudes above 4.

Director Wu Jianfu of the Seismological Center of the Meteorological Agency stated that today's earthquake was caused by the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. This region is prone to earthquakes as energy accumulates rapidly, leading to a high probability of seismic activity. Due to plate compression, energy accumulates quickly, and as seismic energy accumulates rapidly, it won't be released entirely through a single earthquake. There is a possibility of aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 6.5 to 7 occurring within the next 3 to 4 days.

According to the Taiwan Fire Department, as of 2 p.m., there have been 7 fatalities, 711 injuries, and 77 people trapped. All 77 trapped individuals are concentrated in Hualien County. Search and rescue teams from all across Taiwan have been dispatched to Hualien for rescue efforts.

The video was provided with permission from local media.

04月03日07时58分，在台湾花莲县海域发生7.3级地震，震源深度12千米。有台湾市民拍下一大桥发生剧烈晃动，桥上的机动车纷纷停下。摩托骑手们双脚支地，跟着大桥的晃动左右摇摆。另外，还有公路旁的路灯杆左右摆动，轨道交通大桥也随着路基剧烈晃动，发出巨大的颤动声音。