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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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The strongest earthquake in a quarter-century rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, trapping 64 in one rock quarry and six people in another near Hualien, according to Taiwanese authorities.
The quake, which was measured at a 7.2 magnitude by Taiwan's earthquake agency and a 7.4 magnitude by the U.S. Geological Survey, killed at least nine people and injured more than 900 others. Severe shocks resulted in 24 landslides and widespread infrastructure damage.
The epicenter of the earthquake hit approximately 15 miles south-southeast off the coastal city of Hualien, which is home to about 100,000 residents. The quake had a focal depth of about 9.6 miles, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration.
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Hesheng Mining, a subsidiary of Taiwan Cement Corporation, reported that its employees were trapped by a rockfall that was caused by the earthquake in the mining area. Six people in the Renrongchang mining area in Xiulin Township also were trapped after a rockfall blocked the road near the mining area, United Daily News reported.
"Fifty-nine employees of Taiwan Cement's subsidiary Hesheng Mining Company, along with nine contracted workers, were trapped due to falling rocks caused by the earthquake, resulting in the closure of roads leading out of the mine area," a Taiwan Cement Corporation spokesperson told Newsweek. "Currently, Taiwan Cement has gathered all members at the mine office to rest and wait the reopening of the roads. Emergency generators have been set up on the mountain to maintain communication with the outside. Taiwan Cement's Heping Plant coordinated with the local Township Office to arrange for government rescue helicopters to airdrop supplies, but they turned back due to dense fog."
People were trapped elsewhere as well, United Daily News reported. At least 12 were trapped on the Poplar Trail in Taroko National Park but were later rescued. At least 14 people were trapped on the Shakaji Trail. Three people on the Dekaron Trail died because of falling rocks, and four people on the trail were evacuated.
Authorities also lost contact with 50 people traveling by minibus within the national park, Associated Press reported, adding that the earthquake downed phone networks in the area.
A tsunami warning was triggered by the quake, but it was later canceled, Associated Press reported. The quake was strong enough to cause widespread damage across the city, with videos and photos shared on social media showing buildings leaning at steep angles. Rescue operations were being conducted to aid people trapped in buildings.
It was the most-powerful tectonic event on the island since the "921 quake" on September 21, 1999, when a 7.6-magnitude quake resulted in 2,415 deaths, injured more than 11,300, and damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, Newsweek previously reported.
Dozens of aftershocks have occurred since the major quake, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration. Many of the aftershocks were at a 4 magnitude or less. Aftershocks happen with less frequency over time but can occur minutes, days, months, or even years after the initial event.
This is a developing story, and it will be updated as more information becomes available.
Update 04/03/2024, 10:47 a.m. Eastern time: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 04/03/2024, 2:33 p.m. Eastern time: This article was updated with comment from Taiwan Cement Corporation.
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