Early Wednesday morning, Taiwan was rocked by the strongest earthquake it has experienced in a quarter-century. The quake, centered off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, resulted in significant devastation, including nine fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. The impact was particularly felt during rush hour, catching many residents off guard.

Rescue efforts are underway in Hualien, with authorities working to locate and assist those trapped or stranded in damaged buildings and quarries. Despite Taiwan's regular exposure to seismic activity and its well-prepared population, the intensity of this quake caught many off guard.

The aftermath of the quake saw landslides, damaged roads, and disrupted infrastructure across the island. While Hualien bore the brunt of the damage, effects were felt as far as Taipei and even in neighboring countries like China and Japan.

In addition to the human toll, the earthquake has raised concerns about its economic impact, particularly in Taiwan's crucial semiconductor industry. Companies like TSMC have evacuated employees from affected areas, and there are fears of disruptions to the global supply chain.

This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic risks faced by Taiwan and the importance of ongoing preparedness efforts.