Tragedy Strikes Hualien County: Earthquake Claims Lives of Hikers in Taiwan’s Scenic Gem
Hualien County, a picturesque tourist destination on Taiwan’s east coast, was struck by tragedy as a powerful earthquake claimed the lives of two hikers near the famous Taroko Gorge. The quake, which sent rocks tumbling down the trail, trapped the hikers and cut off many roads within the Taroko National Park.
This is not the first time Hualien has been rattled by earthquakes. In 2018, a magnitude 6.5 quake resulted in 17 fatalities and numerous injuries, with a 12-story building in the city of Hualien severely tilted and partially collapsed. The following year, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake further shook the area, injuring 17 people.
Despite the risks posed by its active faults, Hualien County remains a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the stunning Taroko Gorge and enjoy the aquamarine waters of the region. The county, with a population of about 300,000, is one of the most sparsely populated parts of Taiwan, with a significant Indigenous population calling it home.
As rescue efforts continue in the wake of the recent earthquake, the people of Hualien County are once again reminded of the fragility of their beautiful yet geologically unstable home.
