3 April 2024 (Lloyd's List) - TAIWAN’S eastern port of Hualien was evacuated and loading and discharge suspended after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the island early on Wednesday.

The earthquake hit the island at 0758 hrs, with its epicentre 15.5 km from Hualien county, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. Reports said the quake left nine dead, 800 injured and dozens trapped.

“This is the strongest earthquake in Taiwan in 25 years,” a Central Weather Administration official told a press briefing. 

Taiwan International Ports Corporation said there was some damage to terminals at Hualien. It said five ships left the port, which continued to check bridges and other infrastructure for damage. 

As a major commercial port in Taiwan, Hualien handled 2,120 vessels last year and cargo throughput of 8.2m tonnes, according to official data.

There have been no reports of significant damage to other ports in Taiwan, according to the port authority. 

The earthquake had prompted tsunami warnings for Taiwan well as parts of southern Japan and the Philippines, but the warnings were later lifted. 

Central Weather Administration warned of possible 6.5-7 magnitude aftershocks over the next three to four days.

The US Geological Survey estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.4.