The earthquake that occurred off the eastern coast of Taiwan on the 3rd has killed 10 people so far, and Taiwanese authorities are rushing to confirm the whereabouts of those who have not yet been contacted. Meanwhile, a building in Hualien City near the epicenter that was leaning heavily was apparently built based on old earthquake-resistance standards and lacked strength, and demolition work will begin on the 5th.
Taiwanese authorities say that 10 people had died and 1,099 people had been injured by the evening of the 4th after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred off the coast of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan on the 3rd.
In addition, authorities are rushing to confirm the whereabouts of 15 people, including four foreigners, as they have not been able to contact them.
This earthquake caused 786 buildings to be damaged across Taiwan, including a nine-story building called the "Uranus Building" located in the center of Hualien City near the epicenter, which tilted significantly after the earthquake. At one point, people were trapped and one person died.
According to a local expert who inspected the building, it appears that the pillars on the first floor supporting the building were missing.
In Taiwan, the earthquake resistance standards for buildings were raised after the 1999 earthquake, but this building, which was built in 1986, was built based on older earthquake resistance standards and was not strong enough. Demolition work is expected to begin today.
There are approximately 30 other buildings in Hualien city alone that are deemed to require immediate demolition or reinforcement, and experts will continue to confirm these.
"For buildings that require immediate attention, we will evacuate residents, assess the danger, and strengthen them," said Shima Hayashi, a member of an organization made up of civil engineers.