Devastating earthquake in Taiwan: seven dead and more than 700 injured according to photographs

Taiwan shaken by a powerful earthquake : chilling toll, at least seven dead and more than 700 injured

\n\nA real tragedy struck the island of Taiwan at the start of the year. During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.4 on the Richter scale shook the city of Hualien in the east of the island. \n\n

Cold images through the media

\n\nTHE pictures of the cataclysm, widely broadcast by the local and international media, give a glimpse of the extent of the damage. Huge gap opened in a highway, half-collapsed buildings, cars crushed under debris: the spectacle is apocalyptic. \n\n

A still provisional assessment

\n\nAccording to the latest report communicated by the local authorities, at least seven people lost their lives and more than 700 are injured. But this figure could rise further, with many people still missing under the rubble. \n\n

General mobilization of relief

\n\nSince the earthquake was announced, emergency services have been hard at work finding the missing people. According to the army spokesperson, more than a thousand soldiers were mobilized and three UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were sent to the disaster site to participate in rescue operations.\n\n

The island of Taiwan, seismic zone

\n\nThe island of Taiwan is located on the boundary of two tectonic plates and is regularly subject to tremors. In February 2016, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake had already struck the city of Tainan, killing 117 people. \n\nFollowing this new earthquake, the island is doing everything it can to rescue victims and support traumatized citizens. Solidarity is required in these painful times and international aid is already beginning to be mobilized to support Taiwan in this ordeal.\n\nAll our thoughts are with the victims of this tragedy. \n\n