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6.4 Earthquake Strikes Near One of Taiwan's Top Travel Destinations

Feb. 06, 2018
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3 min read
TAIWAN-EARTHQUAKE
6.4 Earthquake Strikes Near One of Taiwan's Top Travel Destinations
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A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck about 13 miles off Hualien County on the east coast of Taiwan at 11:50 pm on Tuesday, February 6. Hualien City continues to experience a number of strong aftershocks, according to the United States Geological Survey. No tsunami warnings have been issued at this time. Thus far, two deaths have been reported, and more than 140 people have been injured by the earthquake and subsequent damage.

Light shaking from the initial earthquake was felt as far north as the capital, Taipei City, about 74 miles northwest of Hualien.

Hualien, Taiwan's largest county by land size, is a popular tourist destination with visitors seeking nature-based adventure.

The 270-room Marshal Hotel in Hualien collapsed soon after the initial quake, which was followed by severe aftershocks which each exceeded 5.0 magnitude. The first three floors of the hotel were completely flattened by the collapse. Cellphone video from locals show the pillars of the hotel collapsing to the ground, with initial reports of more than 30 people trapped inside.

Another hotel known as the Beautiful Life Hotel is also tilting precariously, according to the Hualien Fire Agency, while at least five other buildings in the area have suffered structural damage. Nearly 2,000 homes in the region have lost power, and two bridges in Hualien City have been closed off after damage from multiple landslides.

Travel to most regions of Taiwan should still be safe, as Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taiwan's primary international airport, lies more than 70 miles northwest from the earthquake epicenter.

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Travelers headed to Hualien or the east coast of Taiwan should take precautions and check local news sources before entering the region, traveling by train, or hiking on mountain trails until authorities declare them safe.

Taiwan experiences a significant amount of seismic activity each year due to its position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, at the western edge of the Philippine Sea Plate. According to Earthquake Track, the island has experienced 57 earthquakes over the past year, with 15 of those occuring within the past 7 days. Tuesday night's 6.4-magnitude earthquake was the strongest within the past year.

The region struck by the quake offers great hiking trails through the beautiful Taroko Gorge, as well as hot springs and mountaineering at Hehuanshan.

Featured image by AFP/Getty Images

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.