Japan government has warned against tsunami waves as high as 10 feet, after a major
earthquake
of 7.5 magnitude hit Taiwan’s east around 8 am (GMT) local time Wednesday. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake had a magnitude of 7.4, with its epicenter 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Taiwan’s Hualien City at a depth of 34.8 km.
“Evacuate!” said a banner on Japanese national broadcaster NHK, reports have quoted.
“Tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately,” an anchor on NHK said. “Do not stop. Do not go back.”
This is said to be the strongest earthquake in Taiwan in the last 25 years.
Taiwan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly prone to earthquakes due to the collision of tectonic plates. The island experiences frequent
seismic activity
, with both minor tremors and major earthquakes occurring periodically. In 2018, an earthquake of magnitude 6.2 quake hit near Hualien, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 300 others. The devastating 1999 Jiji earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, claimed thousands of lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Since then, Taiwan has implemented rigorous building codes and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of earthquakes. Despite these efforts, the threat of seismic events remains a significant concern, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and resilience in the face of natural hazards.
Tsunamis are primarily triggered by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. When an earthquake occurs beneath the ocean floor, it can displace large volumes of water, creating powerful waves that propagate across the ocean’s surface. The magnitude and depth of the earthquake determine the size and intensity of the resulting tsunami. Similarly, volcanic eruptions or landslides occurring near or under the ocean can also displace water and generate tsunami waves. As these waves approach shallow coastal areas, they increase in height and speed, posing significant threats to coastal communities and infrastructure. Early warning systems and preparedness efforts are crucial for mitigating tsunami-related disasters.