Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives caused by the earthquake in Taiwan, conveying India's solidarity with the resilient people of the country. In a statement on X, he said, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to earthquakes in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it."
The earthquake, described as the strongest in a quarter-century, struck during the morning rush hour, claiming nine lives and trapping numerous miners. The tremors also led to extensive damage, with buildings in rural, mountainous Hualien County suffering severe structural damage. In the capital city of Taipei, older buildings experienced tile falls, prompting schools to evacuate students to sports fields for safety. The incident left hundreds injured and caused widespread disruption across the region.