Editorial | Taiwan badly needs united rescue effort
- Harrowing images from quake-hit island call for swift humanitarian response despite strained cross-strait relations and fears for vital semiconductor sector
The force of nature can be unforgiving, as shown in the powerful earthquake that hit Taiwan’s eastern coastal region on Wednesday morning. The scale of the damage and number of casualties from the 7.3 magnitude quake have yet to fully unfold, but the harrowing scenes suggest worse news is to come. Our thoughts are with all those who are suffering at this terrible time.
There are concerns that the earthquake, Taiwan’s strongest in a quarter of a century, will further strain cross-strait relations and damage the island’s strategic semiconductor industry, which is pivotal to the global supply chain. The hardest hit region of Hualien is home to leaders in the chip manufacturing sector.
Initial reports said some plants had evacuated their premises and partially suspended operations, but Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company later said work could resume after inspection.
The earthquake was the most powerful to hit the island since 1999, when a 7.6 magnitude tremor killed some 2,400 people and injured thousands of others. The latest shock, originating from the waters about 25km (15.5 miles) south of Hualien, was felt as far as Hong Kong and the mainland China coast.
Shocking images of collapsed buildings and leaning structures soon went viral on social media.
