Study Abroad: Important advisory released for Indian nationals following massive earthquake in Taiwan

Indians are the fastest-growing group among international students in Taiwan, five years ago around 1,000 Indian students were studying in Taiwan which increased to 2,239 in 2020-21. Currently, Indians are among the top 10 groups of international students in Taiwan. After Taiwan was hit by a strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake before 8 am local time on Wednesday, April 3, the India Taipei Association released an emergency number for Indian nationals living in Taiwan.

Taiwan provides a fascinating setting for study-abroad aspirants. Many Indian students also go to Taiwan to pursue their study abroad dreams. Today, April 3, Taiwan was hit by a strong earthquake of magnitude 7.7. 

Following the earthquake, India Taipei Association has released an emergency warning and important advisory for all Indians living in Taiwan. The emergency helpline number for Indians is 0905247906 and email id is ad.ita@mea.gov.in.

All Indian nationals are further requested to follow advisories issued by the local authorities. ITA also requests Indian nationals in Taiwan to share this advisory through their local networks for wider circulation, said the official statement.

In view of the earthquake striking off the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the following emergency helpline has been setup by India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan, added the ITA statement.

Taiwan reports strongest earthquake in 25 years

The director of Taipei's Seismology Centre said that the earthquake that hit Taiwan's east was “the strongest in 25 years”. "The earthquake is close to land and it's shallow. It's felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands... it's the strongest in 25 years since the (1999) earthquake," added Wu Chien-fu, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Taiwan earthquake details

As per reports coming in, a total of four people died due to the earthquake today, as confirmed by Taiwan's national fire agency. At least 57 reportedly are injured in the earthquake that struck this morning.

The epicentre was around Hualien. Taiwan television stations showed footage of some collapsed buildings in Hualien. A five-story building appeared to be heavily damaged due to the earthquake.

Japan's meteorological agency said the magnitude was 7.7, however, the United States Geological Survey said that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4. More aftershocks are expected within 3 to 4 days.

After the earthquake in Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan also issued tsunami warnings for its remote coastal. 34 aftershocks were noted till 8 am IST. 

Japan extends support to Taiwan

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida offered support to Taiwan. He posted on his official account on X. He said that he was deeply saddened to hear about the earthquake and referred to Taiwan as Japan's "neighbour across the sea". 

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