EAST COAST HIT BY POWERFUL QUAKE, 150 KM FROM TAIPEI, CAUSING CASUALTIES.

Why in the news?

Strong earthquake hits Taiwan, 9 killed, over 1000 injured; 7.2 magnitude quake centered in Hualien County, significant damage reported.

source:worldatlas

About the Event Description:

  • A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, centered in Hualien County, 150 kilometers from Taipei.
  • Nine people were killed, and over 1000 were injured, with severe damage to buildings and infrastructure.
  • Multiple aftershocks were experienced, including one of 6.5 magnitude.
  • Taiwan is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” prone to earthquakes due to tectonic plate interactions.
  • The Ring of Fire encompasses numerous volcanoes and earthquake sites, affecting countries around the Pacific Ocean.
  • The earthquakes in Taiwan result from the collision of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
What is the The Ring of Fire ?

  • Area known for active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
  • About 75% of the world’s volcanoes and 90% of earthquakes occur here.
  • Stretches about 40,000 kilometers along Pacific Ocean boundaries.
  • Involves multiple tectonic plates like Pacific, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, etc.
  • Spans from South America to Antarctica, crossing Asia and Oceania.
  • Includes countries like Bolivia, Chile, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, etc.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/earthquake-japan-taiwan-live-updates-tsunami-warning/liveblog/108988701.cms