After being jolted awake in Hualien, Taiwan, Chang Hsin witnessed her surroundings in chaos as buildings quaked and walls crumbled. Trapped in her third-floor apartment during the 7.4 magnitude earthquake, she experienced the terror of her home tilting precariously. Amid the chaos, she urgently called for help as the structure threatened to collapse, fearing the imminent danger of aftershocks.
Tragically, one resident lost her life attempting to rescue a pet, underscoring the perilous situation faced by those caught in the disaster. As rescue efforts continue, the daunting task of salvaging belongings from condemned buildings looms uncertain for many, including Ms. Wei, who anxiously awaits guidance from the rescue teams.
The aftermath of the quake reveals a harrowing scene, with over 600 individuals stranded and rescue operations challenged by relentless aftershocks. Survivors recount tales of horror, with one Singaporean woman describing the ordeal as a nightmare realized, enduring hours of tremors and rockfalls before finding refuge in a hotel.
The seismic event, originating near Hualien, has unleashed a barrage of aftershocks, disrupting lives and leaving residents on edge. For Lai Su, a longtime resident near the landmark gorge, the recent quake shattered any sense of normalcy, prompting a reevaluation of earthquake preparedness.
As uncertainty grips the city, residents like Chang Hsin face an uncertain future, seeking refuge in shelters while grappling with the upheaval of their daily lives.