At 7:58 a.m. April 3rd, Taiwan experienced widespread tremors. According to information released by the Meteorological Bureau, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred off the eastern coast of Taiwan, with a depth of 15 kilometers. The highest intensity was recorded to be above level 6 in Hualien.

 

Currently known disaster situations include two buildings in Hualien City tilting and collapsing, with an unknown number of people trapped. In Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, reports emerged of a plastic factory collapsing. The New Taipei City Fire Department is still confirming the location, with casualties unknown. Additionally, significant landslides and rockfalls have occurred in the Chongde Tunnel of the Suhua Highway and in the Taroko area.

 

After the strong earthquake, the Hualien Red Cross Disaster Rescue Team immediately assembled and prepared for action. Upon receiving a call from Director Zhu of the Hualien Fire Department's Rescue Division, the relief team go to the Taroko Carren Trail at 09:30 to rescue trapped civilians. The Taipei Disaster Rescue Team also gathered several advance rescue team members, who reported to the headquarters for preparation and were ready to depart to the disaster area in Hualien at any moment.

The Red Cross collaborates with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Japanese Red Cross as well as the Red Cross Society of China also reached out to express readiness to provide relevant assistance post-earthquake. Disaster relief and aid are among the core missions of the Red Cross. In addition to mobilizing relief efforts promptly, we continue to monitor the situation closely and assist the most vulnerable affected individuals.