This Photo Was Taken in 2018, Not During Taiwan’s Most Recent Earthquake
The Claim
The photo shows a building in Taiwan that was damaged by the recent 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
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Emerging story
Following Taiwan's recent earthquake, a photo purporting to depict a building's destruction went viral on social media. Users also claimed that the earthquake was a strong 7.2-magnitude.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading.
The circulating photo was taken in Taiwan in 2018 and depicts the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the island.
The 2018 Taiwan Earthquake
Six people were killed, 250 were injured, 76 were besieged, and more than four buildings were seriously bent in Hualien County as the earthquake hit on the late afternoon of February 6, 2018.
The image that has recently gone viral was included in an AP report on the February 7, 2018, Taiwan earthquake.
6.9 Earthquake Hits Southeast Taiwan
Last Sunday, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Taiwan, following a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on Saturday evening.
According to Taiwan's Emergency Operations Center, one person died and 146 were injured in the earthquake, which trapped three buildings and stranded 400 tourists.
In addition to the third 5.6-magnitude quake that occurred on Monday, this quake is the strongest of the series that has struck Taiwan in the past three days.
The series of earthquakes that struck southeastern Taiwan caused power outages, communications outages, and water pipe breaks, as well as other damage to the region's infrastructure.
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