Taiwanese rescue efforts are underway as 70 coal miners remain trapped in two separate mines after the country experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in 25 years, on Wednesday. Nine people have been killed and over 900 injured, with landslides and damaged roads causing traffic disruptions. The earthquake was also felt in China, where a small tsunami was detected. Despite regular drills and preparation for earthquakes in Taiwan, the government did not issue any alerts for this one, leaving many residents scared and in shock.
Taiwan's Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake: Trapped Miners and Devastation Unfolds
On Wednesday, September 18, 2023, Taiwan was struck by a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake, the strongest to hit the country in 25 years. The quake caused widespread damage, claimed lives, and trapped dozens of miners underground.
Trapped Miners
As of this writing, around 70 coal miners remain trapped in two separate mines, one in Hualien County and the other in Yilan County. Rescue efforts are underway, but the situation is dire as the mines have suffered extensive damage, including collapsed shafts and blocked entrances.
Casualties and Infrastructure
The earthquake has claimed at least 9 lives, with over 900 injured. Landslides triggered by the tremors have blocked roads and caused traffic disruptions. The quake was also felt in China, where a small tsunami was detected.
Government Response
Despite Taiwan's regular earthquake drills and preparedness measures, the government failed to issue any alerts for this earthquake. This has left many residents frightened and questioning the effectiveness of the country's disaster response system.
Past Earthquakes in Taiwan
Taiwan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to frequent earthquakes. The country has experienced several major earthquakes in the past, including:
Top 5 FAQs
Q: What is the magnitude of the recent Taiwan earthquake? A: The earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale.
Q: How many people have been trapped in the mines? A: Approximately 70 miners remain trapped in two separate mines.
Q: Why did the government fail to issue earthquake alerts? A: The reasons for the lack of alerts are still under investigation.
Q: Has there been any damage to nuclear power plants? A: There have been no reports of damage to nuclear power plants in Taiwan.
Q: What assistance is being provided to the victims of the earthquake? A: Rescue efforts and humanitarian assistance are ongoing, including the deployment of emergency responders, medical personnel, and supplies.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chilean President Gabriel Boric at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the already "strong" bilateral ties between the two countries. President Boric also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, emphasizing the shared fundamental values between India and Chile. This is President Boric's first visit to India since taking office and he is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, media, and prominent Chileans.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric is set to begin a five-day state visit to India on Tuesday, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit will focus on reviewing bilateral ties and discussing international issues of mutual interest, with meetings scheduled between Boric and Modi, as well as President Droupadi Murmu. Additionally, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will launch a portal providing comprehensive data on socio-economic and fiscal parameters of Indian states, while the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea challenging the validity of a provision of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has announced her plans to visit India and meet the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team during her trip. Williams, who has Indian roots, shared her excitement about returning to her father's home country and expressed admiration for India's beauty from space. She also mentioned her interest in the upcoming ISRO mission and its Indian astronauts.
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus recently visited China and urged Beijing to extend its economic influence to the country, mentioning that India's northeastern states being landlocked could be seen as an opportunity. The remark, made during Yunus' trip, has sparked controversy on social media. Yunus also called Bangladesh the only guardian of the ocean in the region, and stated that this could be a huge opportunity for China to extend its economy.
During an Eid al-Fitr prayer speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan used strong language, calling for the destruction of Israel. He also referred to Allah as "al-Qahhar" and wished for mercy upon martyrs and a speedy recovery for veterans. In his nationwide holiday message, Erdogan criticized the ongoing violence in Gaza and called for action from Western countries. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded to Erdogan's statements, condemning him as antisemitic and dangerous to the region and his own people.
Inspector Rakesh Tripathi and his team were met with hostility from villagers during a motorcycle recovery operation in Telenga village, Odisha. The suspects managed to escape, prompting an intensified manhunt from authorities. The incident illustrates ongoing tensions within local communities and the need for cooperation to ensure justice is served.
The Arab countries of UAE and Saudi Arabia have officially declared the start of Eid-ul-Fitr today, concluding the holy month of Ramadan. In India, Eid is likely to be celebrated tomorrow, with the exact date depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. As families and friends come together to celebrate, here are some WhatsApp messages to share with loved ones.
After a month of fasting during Ramadan, the crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, signaling the end of the holy month. Muslims living in Gulf countries will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on March 30, 2025 with traditional prayers, charity, gift-giving, feasting, and visiting relatives. More than just a religious holiday, Eid ul Fitr is a celebration of love, gratitude, and family unity that Muslims around the world look forward to every year.
In response to two devastating earthquakes hitting Myanmar, India has launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to send 15 tonnes of relief material. The aid was transported by an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft and includes tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medicines. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered assistance and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar shared visuals of the aid arriving in Yangon. India acted as a “first responder” to assist the people of Myanmar in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
In British Columbia, a young woman's marriage to a member of an India-based "cult group" has been annulled by a judge, who ruled that she did not truly consent to the 2023 wedding. The woman claimed to have been manipulated and overwhelmed by the man and his family's constant advances, which even included bringing a religious gift to her workplace. The ruling sheds light on the often-hidden issue of forced marriages in certain religious communities and the legal recourse available to those who have been coerced into marriage.