Monday’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan has resulted in the suspension of operations at the east-coast seaport of Hualien, an important export port of gravel, stones, cement, bamboo, sugar, and lumber.
It also handles imports of various goods like gypsum, coal and cooking oil.
The quake was the strongest in 25 years on the island and resulted in wharf buckling at the port, says Wilhelmsen Port Services.
In some areas the quake measured 7.4 and one of the piers at the port has experienced subsidence of as much as 50 centimetres.
The Taiwanese government said the earthquake caused damage to several buildings and roads in the surrounding area.
It said the Port of Hualien had been particularly affected, with reports of damage to its infrastructure.
As a result of the damage, the government has announced that port operations are currently suspended, and vessels are only permitted to depart from the port.
The decision to suspend port operations was made to ensure the safety of port workers and vessels, as well as to allow for the necessary repairs to be carried out.
The suspension of operations is expected to have a significant impact on Taiwan's trade and commerce, as the country relies heavily on the import and export of goods.
The Taipei government of President Tsai Ing-wen has advised that it is working to restore port operations as soon as possible, but it is unclear at this stage how long the suspension will last.
The quake has also caused disruption to other forms of transportation, including roads and railways, making it difficult for people to travel in and out of the affected areas.
