Terrifying moment Taiwan earthquake hits live TV studio as reporter desperately clings on & lighting rig risks collapse

7 months ago 6

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THIS is the terrifying moment an entire live TV studio was rocked by the huge 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan.

Dramatic footage shows a female reporter desperately trying to keep her balance while clinging onto the big screen as dozens of dangling studio lights risk falling from the ceiling.

This female reporter desperately tried to keep her balance as her studio shook relentlessly[/caption]

The lights were dangling from the ceiling in terrifying footage[/caption]

A partially collapsed building is seen in the eastern city of Hualien[/caption]

Images shared on social media seemed to suggest the earthquake had caused mass landslides[/caption]

The reporter appeared to calmly keep delivering the news as her studio kept shaking relentlessly.

The shocking clip saw horrified social media users flocking to the comment section, with some of them commending the journalist’s attitude.

One wrote: “I will give it to that lady for hanging in there and giving the news, they should give her a raise.”

Another added: “Impressed by the reporter who continues talking even with everything shaking! That’s terrifying.”

A third replied: “That’s some dedication there. Not sure if it was a good idea though while the ceiling above you is shaking like crazy.”

Terror tremor

The nation’s strongest in 25 years, the monstrous tremor shocked Taiwan just before 8am local time (1am UK time) on Wednesday.

It sparked tsunami fears, downed buildings and triggered landslides.

Authorities have so far confirmed seven deaths and at least 711 injuries.

Frantic rescuers are now battling to save at least 77 people trapped in collapsed buildings.

Shocking pictures show buildings fallen on one side and rubble scattered across streets in Hualien, an eastern coastal city near the epicentre of the earthquake.

A leaning building in Hualien is cordoned off in the aftermath of the quake, where residents are trapped inside[/caption]

Rescuers search for survivors in a building in Hualien[/caption]

Three hikers were killed in a landslip in Taroko National Park, near the offshore epicentre.

In Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings and some newer office complexes, while debris fell from several construction sites.

Dozens of schools scrambled to relocate their pupils to sports fields, handing out yellow safety helmets.

Some people covered themselves in textbooks to protect themselves from falling debris as aftershocks continued.

Traffic along the east coast came to a halt as landslides and debris struck tunnels and roads, injuring automobiles.

Tsunami alert

Meanwhile, many fled their homes after Taiwan and Japan issued tsunami alerts.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned a tsunami could strike areas around Okinawa, Miyakojima and Yaeyama Islands.

“Tsunami waves are approaching the coasts. Evacuate as quickly as possible. Waves can hit repeatedly. Continue to evacuate until all warnings are lifted,” the meteorological agency said.

The quake, described as “very shallow”, is 18km south of Taiwan’s Hualien city, according to the US Geological Survey.

JMA forecast a tsunami of up to three meters (9.8 feet) after the quake hit at 7.58am local time.

About half an hour later, it said the first wave of the tsunami was already believed to have arrived on the coasts of Miyako and Yaeyama islands.

A wave of 30cm was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck.

JAMA said waves are likely also hit the coasts of Miyako and Yaeyama islands.

Are Earthquakes Frequent in Taiwan?

Taiwan experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates meet.

These earthquakes vary in magnitude and frequency but are relatively common.

Taiwan is situated at the convergence of several tectonic plates, including the Philippine Sea Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Yangtze Plate.

This makes it highly susceptible to seismic activity. The island experiences numerous earthquakes each year, ranging from minor tremors to more significant events.

The most notable fault line in Taiwan is the Longitudinal Valley Fault, which runs along the eastern side of the island.

This fault is responsible for many earthquakes, including some of the most destructive ones in Taiwan’s history.

Taiwan has implemented strict building codes and earthquake preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of seismic events.

Despite these efforts, earthquakes remain a constant threat, and the country continues to monitor and improve its infrastructure to enhance resilience against seismic activity.