• Source:JND
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Taiwan on Wednesday witnessed the strongest earthquake in 25 years with 7.2 magnitude, crossing the mark of the 7.3-magnitude 921 Jiji earthquake that hit the country in 1999, leaving over 2,000 dead.

According to Kuo Kai-wen, former director of the CWA Seismology Center, Wednesday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake had an energy equivalent to around 32 atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima, while the 921 Jiji earthquake had the energy of 46 Hiroshima atomic bombs.

The 1921 Jiji earthquake in central Taiwan destroyed hundreds of structures, according to Wu Chien-fu, the current director of the CWA Seismology Center. However, today's earthquake caused more significant shaking in more places of Taiwan than any other since 1999.

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The epicentre of the earthquake was in the Pacific Ocean, 25.0 kilometers southeast of Hualien County Hall, at a depth of 15.5 kilometers, according to the Seismology Center of the Central Weather Administration, as reported by Focus Taiwan.

The earthquake's intensity, which gauges the actual effect of a seismic event, was highest in Hualien, where it measured a 6+ on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale, the CWA said.

Two Indians Go Missing After Taiwan Earthquake

Two Indians, a man and a woman, went missing after Taiwan was hit by the massive earthquake. According to a report by AP, a search operation has been launched for the missing Indians.

PM Modi Offers Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished for speedy recovery to the injured. He said that India stands in solidarity with the people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to earthquakes in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it."

Outgoing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen, And President-Elect Lai Ching-Te Thank PM Modi

Outgoing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and President-elect Lai Ching-Te expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support as the island was hit by a massive 7.4 earthquake.

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Tsai Ing-wen stated that PM Modi's solidarity means a great deal to the people of Taiwan as they are working towards a swift recovery.

In a post on X, Tsai Ing-wen stated, "We are deeply grateful for your kind words and support, @narendramodi, at this challenging time. Your solidarity means a great deal to the people of Taiwan as we all work toward a swift recovery."

Lai Ching-Te said that PM Modi's support is a source of strength to the people of Taiwan.

"Thank you, Prime Minister Modi @narendramodi, for your heartwarming message. Your support and solidarity are a source of strength to the people of Taiwan during these trying times," Lai Ching-Te posted on X.

According to central and local government officials in Taiwan, nine people have died and 821 people have been injured due to the earthquake. As of 4:30 pm (local time), 127 people have been trapped, Focus Taiwan reported.

(With ANI inputs)