Han Ximin

1824295095@qq.com

THE railway authority swiftly announced the resumption of all train operations on affected routes yesterday, just hours after trains were either delayed or halted following a powerful earthquake off the eastern coast of Hualien County in Taiwan.

The decision to resume operations came after comprehensive safety checks were conducted on railway equipment and infrastructure, ensuring passenger safety.

Passengers who had purchased tickets for suspended train services were promptly informed that they were eligible for full refunds. Whether tickets were bought through the official ticketing website of China Railway at www.12306.cn, station windows, or agency windows, travelers were assured of a smooth refund process without incurring additional charges.

Emphasizing the importance of adhering to refund guidelines, the railway department urged passengers to visit any railway station window within 30 days from the date of purchase and bring valid identification documents.

With train services now restored, passengers are encouraged to plan their travel arrangements accordingly and avoid crowding at railway stations for refund processing, thereby ensuring a smooth and orderly transition back to normal rail operations.

A total of 49 trains were reported to have been suspended due to the earthquake’s impact on key routes such as the Hangzhou-Shenzhen High-Speed Railway and the Ningbo-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway.

Taiwan was struck by its strongest earthquake in 25 years yesterday when a 7.3-magnitude tremor struck the island’s eastern coast. The quake resulted in damage to 125 buildings across the island, with approximately half of the affected structures located in Hualien County, according to local officials.

The impact was felt strongly in Taipei, located roughly 160 kilometers away, with aftershocks persisting for approximately two hours. Reports from the Chinese mainland indicated that individuals as far away as Shanghai, approximately 800 kilometers to the north, reported feeling the earthquake.

As of 6 p.m. yesterday, the death toll from the earthquake had risen to 10, China Central Television reported, quoting the fire department in Taiwan.