Earthquake collapses bridges, buildings and canopies in Eastern Taiwan

Earthquake collapses bridges, buildings and canopies in Eastern Taiwan

2022-09-19

The 6.8 earthquake that rattled Taiwan on Sunday afternoon left one person dead and dozens injured. It also resulted in significant material damage: derailed trains, warped railway tracks and collapsed road bridges. The temblor even toppled a residential building in Hualien’s Yuli Township, trapping people inside, all of whom have since been rescued. The Central Weather Bureau warns that more aftershocks may be felt in coming days.

This drone footage shows the extent of the damage at Gaoliao Bridge in Hualien’s Yuli Township. Workers at a nearby quarry had parked their dump trucks under the bridge. Fortunately for them, the bridge collapsed on the other side, sparing more than 10 trucks from damage. At the time the earthquake struck, a scooter with two riders and a small truck with one driver had been on the bridge. The two vehicles were thrust onto the riverbed as the bridge collapsed, and the driver of the truck was left trapped in her vehicle for some time. The three were rescued moments later and sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

Over at Hualien’s Dongli Railway Station, a concrete canopy over the platform collapsed with the earthquake on Sunday. It struck a Tze-chiang limited express train which was passing the station, derailing six of the train’s cars. Transport minister Wang Kwo-tsai on Monday headed to the area to inspect the damage. He says the railway tracks have been deformed in 11 spots, and won’t be fixed until Sept. 25. However, train services will take a little longer to return to normal operations, as bridges on the system have to undergo structural repairs.

Over in the mountains of Yuli Township, a road on Chike Mountain was damaged, shutting down traffic in the area. In nearby Fuli Township, more than 400 people were left stranded on the mountains after a landslide cut access to and from Liushishi Mountain.

Chen Rong-tsung
Head of Fuli Township
The road goes about 6 kilometers up. We’re at the 3.5-kilometer spot. The excavator has been digging since it arrived, to clear the road and rescue the 400 people stuck at the top. We have five excavators working on this at the same time. They’ve been sent up the mountain to clear all the debris.

Fuli Township and the Suhua Improvement Engineering Office worked together for more than 20 hours, to clear passage. All people affected have since been able to leave the area.

Perhaps the most striking rescue operation was that of a building that collapsed in Yuli Township. Rescue teams entered the ruins in search of survivors.

A girl cries out and the team of rescuers gather to pull her out. As fast as possible, they rescue her through a small gap.

After the rescue operations, a crew cleared the wreck through the night. The owner of the building had initially raised objection, saying he had valuables in the rubble. In the end, he agreed to a full demolition.

The Central Weather Bureau says more aftershocks may shake the area in coming days. Residents in Eastern Taiwan are advised to stay alert in case another big one hits.

台東強震造成多處災情小心未來餘震再次重創

2022-09-19

受到台東強震影響，高寮大橋攔腰斷裂，而橋下剛好是一個砂石場，有兩輛砂石車，遭到倒塌的大橋壓毀，還好假日沒人上班，幸運躲過一劫。台鐵東里站，也因為地震，遮雨棚倒塌，砸中剛好經過的自強號列車，造成六節車廂傾斜。另外，花蓮玉里三層樓透天厝，地震時傾斜倒塌，救難人員進入倒塌的建物搶救，順利救出一名受困的女童。而坍塌房屋，最後屋主只能忍痛簽下同意書，決定把房子先拆除。

透過空拍鏡頭，花蓮玉里橫跨秀姑巒溪的高寮大橋，業者一整排砂石車，就停在橋下方，只能慶幸橋倒的是另一邊，否則另外十幾輛砂石車，大概無一倖免，台東強震，高寮大橋柔腸寸斷，事發當下，正巧一輛機車跟一輛小貨車經過，兩車隨著橋面緩慢滑向河床，摩托車上的褚姓夫妻檔，和小貨車駕駛葉姓婦人，一度受困車內，所幸三人送醫後，都只有受到輕傷。

接著，將鏡頭轉到台鐵東里站。因為18號的地震遮雨棚倒塌，砸中剛好經過的自強號列車，造成六節車廂傾斜！交通部長王國材今天趕到現場了解狀況，他說鐵軌總共有11處嚴重彎曲變形，預計在9/25前處理好，但全線的恢復，牽涉到橋梁結構修補，可能還需要一段時間。

接著鏡頭來到花蓮玉里，其中赤科山的聯外道路，地震發生之後，道路交通一度中斷，另外，在富里的六十石山，多處道路有落石坍方，400多位民眾受困山區。

[[花蓮富里鄉鄉長陳榮聰]]
“上山這邊總共有6公里，我們現在站的地方是3.5公里。重機具進來以後，我們就開始一直開挖，先把這個路清理完後，上面的這些受困400人及時救下來。我們總共出動五部怪手，同時進行，往山上清理這些落石。”

富里鄉公所及蘇花改工程處接力，歷經20個多小時搶通道路後，民眾已經陸續下山。

但災情還不只這樣，花蓮玉里的一棟民宅，因為地震倒塌變形，救難人員來到現場，尋找還有沒有受困者。

女童的尖叫聲讓搜救人員們心都揪在一起了，只得加快速度，把女童從狹小空間救出來。

解救人員後，為了安全起見，連夜拆除建物，屋主一度很揪結，因為裡頭還有重要財物，最後還是忍痛簽下同意書。

強震重創東部地區，氣象局預估接下來還會有不少餘震，民眾還是需要做好防震準備才行。

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Seismologists say more large aftershocks from weekend quakes are unlikely

Another powerful earthquake struck Taiwan on Monday morning, this time with the epicenter in Hualien’s Zhuoxi Township. Seismologists say the magnitude-5.9 temblor was just one of dozens of aftershocks of a 6.8 earthquake that struck Taitung on Sunday afternoon. They say that, since Taiwan has already experienced eight earthquakes with magnitudes of at least 6 this year, 2023 could be a calmer year, seismically speaking.

People flee Chunri Elementary School in Hualien, as landslides rush down from the mountain opposite the school’s playground, taking onlookers by surprise. Taitung’s Guanshan and Chishang townships were struck by two earthquakes with magnitudes above 6 over the weekend, followed by continuous aftershocks. Then on Monday, Hualien’s Zhouxi Township was the epicenter of a magnitude-5.9 earthquake. The weather bureau’s seismologists say more large earthquakes are unlikely in the short term.

Chen Kuo-chang
Central Weather Bureau
I think that these concentrated aftershocks should be nearly over — already they are not so frequent any more. Also, I think the chances of another large aftershock are quite low.

Experts say Taiwan is currently in a period of heightened seismic activity. In Taiwan, the year 1999 recorded 15 earthquakes with a magnitude of at least 6. That’s the most recorded in one year. That’s followed by 1951 with 13 big quakes, and this year with eight recorded so far. However, if history is any indicator, next year should see an obvious reduction in seismic activity.

Kuo Kai-wen
Former seismologist
We’ve already had eight large-scale quakes this year, so that has dissipated most of that built-up energy. So, I’m hopeful that next year will be fairly quiet.

The weekend’s large earthquakes in Taitung occurred along a fault line under the Central Mountain Range that was not previously a focus of attention. Researchers have now discovered dense seismic zones on the eastern side of the mountain range.

Wu Yi-min
National Taiwan University
The fault under the Central Mountain Range is on the west side of the rift valley. That means it slopes eastward, but it doesn’t reach the surface, so seismologists didn’t list it as an active fault.

Researchers say this type of blind thrust fault may cause large earthquakes, even though it is not exposed on the surface. They also advise paying more attention to similar faults in Chiayi Couty and Tainan, which is a potential high-risk area given how seldom the faults there release energy.

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Tsai apologizes to Taitung and Hualien heads after earthquake response center visit

President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday offered apologies to the commissioners of Taitung and Hualien for failing to speak with them during disaster relief efforts the day before. Tsai had visited the Central Emergency Operation Center on Sunday night, to oversee operations in the wake of the strongest earthquake to hit Taitung in 49 years. She gave an address to the team at the center, but did not speak with the two commissioners, as had been expected. The president says the incident was the result of poor communication with staff, who were busy attending to dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake.

President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday met the delegation that represented Taiwan at this year’s World Police and Fire Games. She thanked them all for their hard work.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
We saw disasters occurring all around the country. Our police officers and firefighters responded immediately, devoting themselves to disaster relief operations. Whenever there is a natural disaster, the hardest work is that work carried out by first responders. On behalf of the whole country, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you all, for all your hard work.

This past weekend, Taitung experience its strongest earthquake in 49 years. Upon learning of the incident Tsai gave an address to the nation, and Premier Su Tseng-chang headed to the Central Emergency Operation Center. The central government launched rescue operations, and the Ministry of National defense established a command center to assist with relief measures. At 8 p.m. on Sunday, President Tsai herself went to the Central Emergency Operation Center to hear debriefings from the relevant agencies. The KMT commissioners of Hualien and Taitung, Hsu Chen-wei and Yao Ching-ling have protested Tsai’s actions, saying that she left the operations center after giving a speech, and did not speak with them via teleconference as expected.

Fu Kun-chi
KMT lawmaker
It was quite regrettable yesterday, that there was no communication with the president and the premier. I hope it was just a misunderstanding.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Last night, I went to the Central Emergency Operation Center. Our staff was very busy and may not have communicated well enough. So that may have been some shortcomings that resulted in me not being able to speak with the two county commissioners and the rescue teams. I hereby would like to apologize to both county commissioners and the disaster relief teams in Hualien and Taitung. Moving forward we still have a lot of work to do, and central and local governments will work together to ensure normalcy is restored as soon as possible.

The president says she is keeping a close eye on disaster response operations, as premier Su stays in Hualien overseeing relief work.

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New Taipei father collects fun costumes to take his children to school

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A minion saunters down the street, swaying from side to side. But why would this cute guy be outside of a theme park? This is just a normal street near a school in New Taipei’s Linkou District.

Parent
Since he appeared, everyone thinks that going to school is a really cute experience.

What’s the minion doing waiting at the school gate? Well, 33-year-old dad Mr. Chang decided to adopt the character to help his children overcome their reluctance to go to school.

Mr. Chang
Parent
They were finding it hard to adapt to school. They could go to school at 9 a.m. in the place where we lived before. But now they don’t really want to go to school. They’re always dragging their feet.

It’s these little twins, who just started Grade 1, and are finding it hard to get on with school. They asked their dad if he could dress up as a dinosaur to take them to school. And Mr. Chang was happy to oblige. He puts on a different costume each morning – a minion, a dinosaur, or a Charizard.

Mr. Chang
Parent
The most valuable part of it is not that they’re happy to go to school it’s that I’m happy to take them inside every day, and I enjoy that time with them. As a man, I have to fulfill my commitments.

Putting on the elaborate costumes is not that easy. After his walk to school, Chang comes home dripping in sweat, but with a big smile on his face. The school’s principal thinks it’s a great initiative.

Li Yung-chih
Lilin Elementary principal
It’s good for the students. I think it’s wonderful.

A ferocious Charizard trundles into view, but not to worry – inside it’s just dear old dad. The kids gather round with excitement. One twin grabs the dragon’s tail with a grin. The other wants to hold dad’s hand. As they head home for today, it looks like school wasn’t so scary after all.

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US President Joe Biden reiterates that US would defend Taiwan in Chinese attack

In an interview on the CBS program 60 Minutes, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated that the U.S. would come to Taiwan’s defense if China decides to attack. The president answered affirmatively when asked to confirm that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be seen differently from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The White House has walked back the comments, but analysts say that Biden is trying to convey clear support for Taiwan, after some proposals in the recently passed Taiwan Policy Act were redacted or toned down.

During an interview on Sunday on the CBS program 60 Minutes, U.S. President Joe Biden was asked again about whether U.S. troops would defend Taiwan during a Chinese invasion attempt.

Scott Pelley
Journalist
Would U.S. forces defend the island?

Joe Biden
US President
Yes, if in fact there was an unprecedented attack.

Expressing clear U.S. intent to defend Taiwan, Biden was asked by the interviewer for clarification that the U.S. sees such a potential event as different from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Scott Pelley
Journalist
So, unlike Ukraine, to be clear, sir, U.S. forces, U.S. men and women would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion?

Joe Biden
US President
Yes.

Biden was also asked about whether Chinese leader Xi Jinping was aware of his stance.

Scott Pelley
Journalist
Does President Xi know about your commitment to Taiwan?

Joe Biden
US President
We agree with what we signed on to, a long time ago, and there’s a “one China” policy, and Taiwan makes their own judgments about their independence. We are not moving, we are not encouraging their independence, we’re not… that’s their decision.

Following the interview, the White House issued a statement saying that Washington’s position on Taiwan had not changed. However, Sunday’s interview is widely being seen as Biden’s clearest confirmation of U.S. troop commitment to Taiwan thus far.

Wang Chih-sheng
Cross-Strait Policy Association
Biden used this exclusive interview to send a clear message, in response to Chinese pressuring of Taiwan on the issue of unification. He clearly told the whole world that the U.S. won’t sit idly by while China, at some unspecified time in the future, attempts a military invasion of Taiwan. Taiwan’s future is for its 23 million people to decide, and Biden’s comments on the matter are clearly a slap in the face for China.

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The U.S. is aware of China’s growing capabilities and ambitions toward Taiwan — it’s very clear. So in order to obstruct Chinese military aggression toward Taiwan, the U.S. has to adopt strategic clarity on the issue. However, in terms of exactly what the U.S. will do to help Taiwan, what it will do in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait, or war, it will still adopt more ambiguous posturing.

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Two-tone honey, and a sakotis tree cake are just some of the fabulous culinary specialties from Lithuania on show at the festival. The event aims to strengthen friendship between the two countries by giving Taiwanese shoppers a chance to sample new products.

Tsai Yun-chung
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In the last two years, Taiwan and Lithuania have had much cooperation in many different ways, from inter-governmental cooperation, to business-to-business cooperation. We hope that Lithuanian products will become a part of our daily family life.

Karolis Zemaitis
Vice-Minister of Economy, Lithuania
With our cooperation, with our friendship, and, I think we are already achieving a lot, and a lot of things are already in the very near future.

Taiwan’s friendship with Lithuania has boosted bilateral trade lately. Taiwanese people may not be able to travel to Lithuania, but now they can easily sample Lithuanian delicacies. However, the recent weakening of the new Taiwan dollar – which is down to more than 31 against the greenback – does mean costs are rising for importers. And that puts pressure on trade.

Yeh Wei
Import merchant
Importing from Europe or from Lithuania is a long journey, whether by air or by sea. We still have to use air freight for lots of cargo, and in some cases, refrigeration. So the import costs are comparatively high.

Luo Ta-wei
Department store owner
We will continue to coordinate with manufacturers. In the past we would receive a shipment perhaps once a week. Now we will receive two shipments a week. We will try to suppress rising costs by pursuing a high sales volume. So we can maintain the original price, until that’s really impossible.

These days, it seems the price of almost everything is rising. Retailers and manufacturers are doing their best to keep prices down by using their best marketing strategies.

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