In the aftermath of Taiwan's most powerful earthquake in a
quarter-century, which claimed the lives of at least nine individuals
and left over 900 injured, travellers are faced with a difficult
decision: should they cancel their upcoming trips to Taiwan?
The earthquake, which struck on 3 April 2024, near the city of
Hualien, caused widespread devastation, including collapsed buildings,
power outages, landslides, and transportation disruptions. The tremors,
measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, sent shockwaves across the island,
leaving behind scenes of destruction and despair.
As rescue efforts continue to unfold, with hundreds of people still
trapped in tunnels and collapsed structures, concerns over safety loom
large in the minds of prospective visitors. The Taiwanese Central
Weather Administration's Seismology Centre warns of ongoing aftershocks,
with magnitudes of at least 6.5 expected to persist for the next
several days. The possibility of further landslides and structural
damage adds to the apprehension surrounding travel to the region.
One of the most harrowing incidents occurred in Taroko National Park
in Hualien, where nearly 1,000 tourists and staff found themselves
stranded amidst the rugged terrain. Local media reported that three
hikers and one driver tragically lost their lives in rockslides
triggered by the earthquake.
While authorities have not explicitly advised against travelling to
Taiwan, the risks posed by the aftermath of the earthquake are
undeniable. The island's infrastructure, including transportation
networks and accommodation facilities, has been severely impacted,
making it challenging for travellers to navigate and find suitable
lodging.
In response to the crisis, airlines like Cathay Pacific have offered
flexibility to passengers, waiving rebooking, rerouting, and refund
charges for flights to and from Taiwan. This initiative acknowledges the
uncertainty surrounding travel plans and provides affected individuals
with the option to rearrange their itineraries without financial
penalty.