The day began like any other - a picturesque morning with my son swiftly getting ready for kindergarten. As we made our way downstairs, we stumbled upon a butterfly on the sidewalk. Taking a moment to relocate it to safety, we engaged in a brief chat with the building guard. Little did I know, those precious minutes spent outside would place me in a safer spot when disaster struck.
Just as we were nearing a nearby park, the earthquake alarm blared, signaling impending danger. With only enough time to grab my phone, the ground beneath us began to shake violently. Typically unfazed by minor tremors outdoors, I immediately recognized the seriousness of this one. Taking refuge on a nearby bench, we watched as buildings swayed ominously, hoping they wouldn't collapse.
Upon reaching my son's kindergarten, I was relieved to see the teachers and children already outside, following their earthquake drills. Leaving my son in their care, I hurried back home. What I encountered upon my return left me in shock... water from our aquarium had spilled everywhere, soaking our belongings and causing chaos. Amidst the chaos, we even discovered a shrimp on the floor. It was no surprise, considering that half of the water from our aquarium had spilled onto the ground.We found only a few items knocked over, the balcony door swung open, wardrobes ajar, and luggage scattered about, signaling that perhaps we were in dire need of a holiday. Later the day, we did packed our bags and departed, especially since it was the long weekend for the Swipping Tumb Festival - a perfect opportunity to escape the North.
In the aftermath, as reports and images poured in from others in our community, it became evident that our situation was relatively mild compared to the devastation experienced elsewhere. Cracked walls and tiles, fallen wardrobes, and broken glass were commonplace in neighboring areas. Some individuals were even unable to open their doors due to structural damage. Someone's cat even escaped through the window...
Images and videos from places closer to the epicenter painted an even grimmer picture - shaking bridges, fractured roads, falling stones, crashed cars, and collapsed buildings. It's important to note that this earthquake marks the most significant seismic event in 25 years!
Reflecting on the events of the day, I couldn't help but marvel at Taiwan's resilience. Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, casualties were remarkably low - a testament to the nation's robust infrastructure and disaster preparedness. Yet, the fear lingers, a reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature.
And here are a few pictures from our apartment:
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