Nichidai Kishida Pledges "Necessary Support" for Taiwan Earthquake

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his intention to provide necessary support following a magnitude 7 or higher earthquake in Taiwan on the 3rd.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, Prime Minister Kishida wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "I was deeply saddened to hear reports of a major earthquake in eastern Taiwan causing significant damage," and "I offer my heartfelt condolences to those affected."

He added, "I sincerely appreciate the warm support from all our important friends in Taiwan during the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula Earthquake," and "As neighbors sharing the sea, Japan is ready to provide necessary assistance when Taiwan is in trouble."

This is the first time in 25 years that a strong earthquake exceeding magnitude 7 has occurred in Taiwan. The earthquake struck the eastern Taiwanese city of Hualien at 7:58 a.m. local time. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported the magnitude as 7.4, while Taiwanese authorities reported it as 7.2. As of the afternoon, there have been 4 confirmed deaths and 97 injuries.

Videos released online show buildings collapsing, rooms shaking, and objects falling down in large numbers. TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor foundry, evacuated some production line employees. The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau expects aftershocks to continue for the next 3 to 4 days.

Due to the earthquake's impact, tsunami warnings were issued not only in Taiwan but also in Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippines. However, no significant damage has been reported. In Okinawa Prefecture, a tsunami "warning" for waves up to 3 meters was issued but later lifted.