Taiwan's Hualien 6.5 magnitude earthquake

A series of strong earthquakes has struck the island of Taiwan in recent weeks, sparking a mix of concern, sympathy, and debate among Chinese social media users. The first quake, registering 4.7 magnitude, occurred in Kaohsiung City on June 10th at a depth of 14 kilometres with an epicentre located at 22.88 degrees north latitude and 120.65 degrees east longitude.

The earthquakes have led some users to question the recovery of Taiwan, which they see as being closely tied to the people's heart rather than force or sanctions. Mr. Fatty, a commentator known for his Watching the Earth blog, has suggested that natural disasters in Taiwan are a result of local officials acting in favour of the law and against public interests, leading to a loss of people's heart.

As the situation continued to unfold, a more severe earthquake struck Hualien County on September 18th, registering magnitude 6.9 at a depth of 10 km. The tremor triggered reactions from various places in mainland China, with some calling for assistance and rescue efforts. However, the disaster has also led to discussions about how to react calmly and rationally during such events.

Just days later, on September 17th, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Taitung County at 21:41 pm. The tremor was felt as far away as Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, and Taizhou in Zhejiang province. These events have generated significant attention from Chinese social media users, with some expressing sympathy for the people of Taiwan while others debate the reasons behind these natural disasters.

Some netizens have even shared tips on how to stay safe during an earthquake, such as seeking refuge under a sturdy piece of furniture or away from tall objects that may fall over. Others have turned to traditional beliefs and superstitions, with one user claiming that the period of liquidation in the world when karma is ripe and positive will bring blessings for Taiwan's recovery.

In response to these events, some social media users have called for restraint and respectful dialogue. However, others have become more critical of Taiwan and its government, accusing them of neglecting public interest in favour of specific interests. These differing opinions reflect the complex relationship between mainland China and Taiwan, as well as the varying perspectives held by Chinese citizens regarding natural disasters and their causes.