Taiwan Earthquake Survivors Recall Harrowing Moments Amidst Devastation
Taipei, Taiwan — In the aftermath of a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that rocked Taiwan, four survivors share their harrowing experiences and the indomitable human spirit that carried them through the chaos.
The Quaking Ground Beneath Their Feet
As the ground trembled violently, buildings swayed, and the air filled with dust, these individuals found themselves caught in a life-or-death struggle. Here are their firsthand accounts:
Liu Wei, Office Worker
Liu Wei was on the 15th floor of a high-rise office building when the quake struck. “The world turned upside down,” she recalls. Desks toppled, glass shattered, and panic ensued. Liu Wei clung to a sturdy pillar, her heart racing. “I thought of my family, my daughter waiting for me at home. Survival became my sole focus.”
Chen Ming-Hua, Shop Owner
Chen Ming-Hua was in his small convenience store when the shelves collapsed, trapping him under a pile of debris. “I couldn’t move,” he says. “The darkness was suffocating.” With adrenaline surging, Chen managed to free himself, crawling over broken glass and twisted metal. “I thought of my wife and children. They were my strength.”
Lin Mei, College Student
Lin Mei was attending a lecture at National Taiwan University. “The room shook violently,” she recounts. “Books flew off shelves, and the ceiling cracked.” Amidst chaos, Lin and her classmates huddled under desks. “Fear gripped us, but we held on to each other.” Their professor’s calm instructions kept them focused: “Stay low, protect your head.”
Wang Bo, Taxi Driver
Wang Bo was navigating the streets of Taipei when the earthquake struck. His taxi swerved, and the road cracked open. “I thought I’d lose control,” he says. Wang Bo pulled over, urging passengers to exit. “We stumbled on uneven ground, but we made it.” His passengers, strangers just minutes ago, clung together, united by survival.
Resilience and Hope
Despite the chaos, these survivors exemplify the resilience of the human spirit. They remind us that amidst disaster, compassion and courage prevail. As rescue teams work tirelessly to locate others trapped in the rubble, Liu Wei, Chen Ming-Hua, Lin Mei, and Wang Bo stand as symbols of hope.
“We survived,” Liu Wei says, tears in her eyes. “Now we must rebuild.”
The earthquake’s toll is still unfolding, but these stories of survival echo across Taiwan—a testament to the strength that binds us all.
The earthquake struck at 3:15 a.m. local time, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Authorities continue rescue efforts, and relief organizations are mobilizing to aid affected communities.1
