Taiwan: Series of aftershocks hit Hualien, tremors felt in Taipei
Taiwan's quake-hit eastern county of Hualien was rattled by dozens of aftershocks late on Monday and early on Tuesday These tremors were felt across vast areas of northern, eastern, and western Taiwan, including Taipei. The most powerful quake registered a magnitude of 6.3. This seismic activity is attributed to the aftermath of the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on April 3.
Aftershocks of the significant quake on April 3
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration has linked approximately 180 earthquakes, starting from Monday afternoon, to the aftershocks of the significant quake on April 3. Chien-fu, Director of the Seismological Center, described these aftershocks as a "concentrated release of energy." He warned that more could be expected, although they might not be as powerful. Chien-fu also advised Hualien residents to prepare for additional disruptions due to heavy rainfall forecasted for all of Taiwan this week.
Two buildings, already damaged on April 3, incurred further damage
The Hualien fire department reported that two buildings, already vacant after being damaged on April 3, incurred further damage and were tilting. No casualties were reported from these recent seismic events. In the mountainous regions of Hualien county, some roads were closed due to rockfalls. This led the government to suspend work and school for the day. Despite these disruptions, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) confirmed that all facility and safety systems were operating normally.
TSMC confirms all facility and safety systems are operating normally
TSMC, the world's leading contract chipmaker with factories along Taiwan's western coast, revealed that some employees were evacuated as a safety measure during the quakes. However, TSMC confirmed that all facility and safety systems were operating normally and all staff members were safe. "Currently, we do not expect any impact on operations," it stated in an email. Despite the seismic activity, investors remained calm with TSMC's shares listed in Taipei rising 1.75% on Tuesday morning.
