Indian association releases helpline for Taiwan quake

The India Taipei Association has issued an advisory with a helpline number and email contact for all Indian nationals living in Taiwan, after an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck off the eastern coast of the Pacific nation in the early hours of Wednesday (local time).

“In view of the earthquake striking off the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of Wednesday, 03 April 2024, the following emergency helpline has been setup by India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan: Mobile: 0905247906; Email: ad.ita@mea.gov.in,” the India Taipei Association posted on its official handle on the social media platform X.

There are approximately 5,000 Indians in Taiwan, most of them professionals. 

“All Indian nationals are further requested to follow advisories issued by the local authorities. ITA also requests Indian nationals in Taiwan to share this advisory through their local networks for wider circulation,” the post further stated.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake had initially been rated at a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter Scale but it was later revised to 7.7 magnitude. Japan’s Meteorological Agency said the magnitude of the tremors was 7.5.

The epicentre has been established 18 km south of Hualien City in Taiwan, and at a depth of 34.8 km. Latest reports coming in indicate that danger unleashed by the earthquake might have passed, although the natural disaster has left a trail of destruction in its wake. One person was crushed to death by falling rocks in the Hualien area, which is known for its mountainous terrain, and over 50 have been injured, according to Reuters. At least 20 people are said to be trapped in debris after 26 buildings collapsed in and around Hualien owing to the impact of the tremors.

Besides landslides all over the country, most of Taiwan also is currently seeing power cut in around 87,000 homes, besides massive internet outage. 

The earthquake has urgent prompted tsunami warnings in the rest of Taiwan, as well as in south of Japan and the Philippines. These were later called off.