(Image source from: Abcnews.go.com)

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale has resulted in the loss of at least 40 individuals in Taiwan's eastern region. The quake has claimed the lives of nine people and left over 1,000 injured. As a result of the tremors, nine landslides have occurred, causing debris to collapse onto the Suhua Highway in Hualien. This particular road, known for its risks, is situated between a mountainside and the ocean. Consequently, people are currently trapped in two road tunnels along this highway. Efforts are being made to rescue those who are stranded, with 75 individuals already saved. Due to the earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued in Taiwan and its neighboring countries. Additionally, a 6-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan. One coal mine worker described the landslides caused by the Taiwan earthquake as being as forceful as falling bullets.

Rocks came tumbling down from the hills onto Hualien's Suhua Highway, which stretches along the east coast. Some individuals who were trapped in tunnels and near a national park were rescued by air on Wednesday, but there are still around 50 others who have not been found. One survivor, referred to as Chu, shared, "The mountain started showering rocks like bullets, leaving us with no escape. Everyone sought shelter behind sandbags." Ocean Tsai, a Hualien City resident, recounted, "I had just gotten out of bed when a clothes rack and a small cabinet toppled over."

(Video Source: NewsNation)