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A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan on 3 April 2024, causing damage to buildings and triggering tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines. The quake hit during the morning rush hour, with its epicenter about 100 miles southeast of Taipei. The impact of the earthquake was felt at Taoyuan International Airport, where passengers were forced to duck for cover as parts of the ceiling fell to the ground. However, according to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, Taiwan's major airports, including Taoyuan International Airport, are operating normally, although transit capabilities may vary by region, especially in the eastern mountainous area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the earthquake | 3 April 2024 |
| Time of the earthquake | 7:58 a.m. local time |
| Magnitude | 7.2 according to Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency; 7.4 according to the US Geological Survey |
| Impact on Taipei Airport | Structural damage, with parts of the ceiling falling to the ground |
| Impact on other airports | Naha Airport (OKA) in Okinawa, Japan, was temporarily closed due to the Tsunami warning. Flights to and from Taiwan were cancelled by many airlines. |
| Impact on other transport | Train and subway services in Taipei were suspended. |
| Fatalities | At least 9 people were reported dead |
| Injuries | More than 1,000 people were injured |
| Aftershocks | Continued for roughly two hours after the initial quake |
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What You'll Learn
- The earthquake caused structural damage to Taipei's Taoyuan Airport
- Flights to and from Taipei were cancelled or delayed
- The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines
- The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco assured travellers that Taiwan is still safe
- Taiwan's major airports, ports, and railways are operating normally, according to the Taiwan Tourism Administration
The earthquake caused structural damage to Taipei's Taoyuan Airport
On April 4, 2024, Taiwan was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 7.2 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake struck just before 8:00 a.m. local time, with its epicenter around 18 kilometers south-southwest of Hualien on Taiwan's east coast and a depth of about 35 kilometers. The earthquake caused damage to multiple buildings across the island, including Taipei's Taoyuan Airport.
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei, Taiwan, experienced the impact of the earthquake, as seen in footage captured by a person inside one of the terminal buildings. The video shows passengers forced to duck for cover as the entire area violently shook due to the earthquake's force. The airport suffered structural damage, with parts of the ceiling collapsing and falling to the ground.
The earthquake was the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, causing significant damage to the airport and disrupting flight operations. Japan Airlines (JAL) warned customers that some flights might be affected, while All Nippon Airways (ANA) reported disruptions to flights from specific airports. The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation activated an emergency response center to assist passengers and later updated that operations had resumed normal services, advising passengers to allow extra travel time.
The impact of the earthquake extended beyond Taiwan, with tsunami warnings triggered in Japan and the Philippines. The warnings were later removed, but the initial waves reached the coast of Yonaguni Island about 15 minutes after the earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that waves likely impacted the coasts of Miyako and Yaeyama Islands as well.
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Flights to and from Taipei were cancelled or delayed
A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, causing damage across the island. The quake, which was the strongest in 25 years, injured more than 1,000 people and trapped hundreds more. The impact of the earthquake was felt at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), where passengers were forced to duck for cover as parts of the ceiling fell to the ground.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, many airlines cancelled flights to Taiwan. Japan Airlines (JAL) warned customers that some flights may be affected, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) reported disruptions to flights from Naha Airport (OKA) in Okinawa, Miyako Airport (MMY), and Painushima Ishigaki Airport (ISG).
However, as of April 4, Taiwan's major airports, including Taoyuan International Airport, reported that operations had returned to normal. Taiwanese carrier EVA Air stated that the earthquake had not affected its current or future operations, and that all of its flights at Taoyuan International Airport were on schedule.
Despite this, travellers were advised to allow extra time for travel and to postpone non-essential trips to Hualien County, where the earthquake caused significant damage to the railway and dangerous road conditions due to landslides.
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The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines
A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan during the morning rush hour on Wednesday, 2 April 2024, collapsing buildings and triggering tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines. The quake hit near the eastern city of Hualien at 7:58 a.m. local time, with a magnitude of 7.4 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and 7.2 according to Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency. The depth was about 35 kilometres (22 miles), which is considered shallow.
The earthquake was the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, with strong shaking felt in Taipei, the capital, some 100 miles away. Aftershocks continued for roughly two hours. The impact was made worse by the shallow depth of the quake, and a tsunami wave of 30 centimetres was detected on the coast of Yonaguni Island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. Smaller waves were measured in Ishigaki and Miyako islands.
The Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued a tsunami warning, which was lifted later that day. Japan sent military aircraft to gather information about the impact around the Okinawa region. Flights were suspended at Naha Airport in Okinawa as a precautionary measure, and many airlines cancelled flights to Taiwan.
The Philippines also lifted its tsunami warnings and advisories triggered by the quake.
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The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco assured travellers that Taiwan is still safe
On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Taiwan was hit by a powerful earthquake, its strongest in 25 years. The quake hit near the eastern city of Hualien and had a magnitude of 7.2 according to Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency, while the U.S. Geological Survey placed it at 7.4. The earthquake caused significant damage, collapsing buildings, and triggering tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines. It also led to the suspension of train and subway services in Taipei.
Despite the impact of the earthquake, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco has assured travellers that Taiwan is still a safe destination. Scott Lai, the director general of the office, stated that "Taiwan continues to provide travellers a safe environment with facilities that are ready and secure." This assurance comes as a relief to those with travel plans to Taiwan, especially with powerful aftershocks expected in the days following the initial quake.
It is important to note that Taiwan's major airports, including Taoyuan International Airport, have resumed normal operations. However, passengers are advised to allow extra time for travel and to check for updates, as transit capabilities may vary by region, especially in the eastern mountainous areas. United flight attendants based out of Taipei have confirmed that their operations have not been affected by the earthquake.
While most areas in Taiwan are safe for travel, it is recommended to avoid Hualien at this time due to dangerous road conditions and numerous landslides in the area. The railway in Hualien suffered significant damage, and rescue workers are still providing assistance to those affected by the earthquake. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco encourages travellers to stay updated with official sources and follow any instructions or advisories issued by local authorities.
As Taiwan recovers from the earthquake, the connection and friendship between Taipei and San Francisco remain strong. The Taiwanese American community in the Bay Area is actively providing support to their families and friends back home. The local Red Cross in Hualien and military units are also working tirelessly to provide relief and assistance to those impacted by the earthquake.
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Taiwan's major airports, ports, and railways are operating normally, according to the Taiwan Tourism Administration
On Wednesday, a powerful earthquake struck Taiwan, causing damage and several casualties. The earthquake, which measured 7.2 on the Richter scale according to Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency, and 7.4 according to the US Geological Survey, was the strongest to hit the country in 25 years. The quake hit near the eastern city of Hualien, causing buildings to collapse and triggering tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines.
Despite the significant impact of the earthquake, Taiwan's major airports, ports, and railways are reportedly operating normally, according to the Taiwan Tourism Administration. This includes Taoyuan International Airport, which suffered structural damage with parts of the ceiling collapsing. However, the airport has since resumed operations, with passengers advised to allow extra time for travel. Similarly, Taiwanese carrier EVA Air has stated that the earthquake has not affected its operations, and all flights at Taoyuan International Airport remain on schedule.
While major transit hubs are functioning, the Taiwan Tourism Administration notes that transit capabilities may vary by region, especially in the eastern mountainous area. The railway in Hualien, in particular, suffered "significant damage," according to a Taipei-based travel consultant. Dangerous road conditions and numerous landslides have been reported in the area, prompting travel advisories to steer clear of Hualien until the situation improves.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, Taiwan's Red Cross Society and military units mobilized relief efforts to assist those affected. The country's disaster preparedness and response capabilities have been highlighted, with the director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco assuring travelers that Taiwan continues to provide a safe environment with secure facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Taipei Airport was affected by the earthquake. Footage taken inside the terminal building shows passengers forced to duck for cover as the entire area shook. The airport also suffered structural damage, with parts of the ceiling collapsing. However, the airport has since returned to normal operations, with passengers advised to allow extra time for travel.
There are no reports of injuries at Taipei Airport. However, two Taiwanese nationals and one Vietnamese traveller were hit by falling debris outside the airport but continued with their journeys.
While there were no reports of cancellations or delays at Taipei Airport, many airlines cancelled flights to Taiwan in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.
Yes, aftershocks continued for roughly two hours after the initial quake. These aftershocks were felt across Taiwan, with some as strong as 6.4 and 5.7 on the Richter scale.
