Struggling to Move On: Taiwan’s Largest Earthquake in 25 Years

On April 3, 2024, Taiwan's southeastern coast was struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake—the largest in 25 years. The quake killed 19 people, injured over a thousand, and caused extensive damage to nearby Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園. One year later, huge areas of the national park remain closed as repairs are underway. The most damage, according to park employees, sits at the top of the national park: the Taroko Village Hotel. Park employees estimate recovery to the park will take another 5-7 years.

The damage and closure of Taroko National Park has had devastating effects on the nearby city of Hualien. Local businesses, many of them indigenous-owned, relied on visitors to the national park. With large swaths of the park still closed for repair, tourist streets and night markets are empty and businesses say they only receive about 15-20% of what they were before the quake. Others have shut their doors permanently.