TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines from Taipei to Kaohsiung were suspended on Wednesday morning (April 3) for 40 to 60 minutes following a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.
The quake struck northeast Taiwan at 7:58 a.m. The epicenter was 25 km south-southeast of Hualien County Hall.
Taipei MRT
The Taipei Metro announced all stations would suspend operations for about 40 to 60 minutes for safety inspections, reported CNA. There are currently no reports of any abnormalities with the system and passengers are asked to use other means of transportation.
The Taipei MRT said that after receiving the report of level 5 shock waves in the city, it immediately stopped trains and suspended operations. It is currently conducting station and track inspections.
If passengers have any questions about tickets or refunds they are asked to contact the information desk, the Taipei Metro website, or use the Go! Taipei Metro app.
The New Taipei Metro Corporation announced that all circular lines, Danhai Light Rail, and Ankeng Light Rail would be suspended to evacuate passengers. It said that facilities and equipment on all lines will be inspected, with operations anticipated to resume within 40 to 60 minutes.
Taoyuan MRT completed its track inspections at 9:15 a.m. and resumed operations after confirming there were no abnormalities.
Kaohsiung MRT
The Kaohsiung Metro announced that operations at all MRT and light rail stations would be suspended for 40 to 60 minutes to conduct safety inspections. After the 7:58 a.m. quake, MRT and light rail trains stopped briefly before proceeding slowly to their next stations and suspending operations.
The Kaohsiung Metro said that if there are no aftershocks, stations and routes would be inspected and normal operations would resume within an hour.
It resumed operations on all lines at 8:34 a.m.
Taiwan High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) temporarily suspended operations along the entire network following the quake. It said there are currently no reports of damage to trains or any passenger injuries.
It has also established an Emergency Response Center (EOC) to conduct inspections of facilities, routes, and stations. It said eight trains will depart from Nangang Station for Zuoying Station at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.
Taiwan Railway Corporation
Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC) said that it has temporarily suspended operations on the route from Jiaoxi to Fenglin on the Eastern Trunk Line. It is estimated that service will resume at 11:59 p.m.
Highways
Two-way traffic has been blocked at the entrance of Chongde Tunnel on the Suhua Highway due to fallen rocks.
At the 23.4 km mark of Provincial Highway 14 leading to Hehuanshan, a section of Yuanfeng Road in Ren'ai Township collapsed, blocking two-way traffic.
