Taiwan earthquake disrupts trains in mainland China at start of Ching Ming travel rush

High-speed rail services affected in Shanghai, with suspensions and delays for passengers in Fujian, Jiangxi, Guandong and Zhejiang provinces

The disruptions could affect the plans of millions expected to be travelling for Ching Ming Festival over next five days

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The Shanghai Hongqiao railway station was one of several in southern and eastern China where passengers faced delays and cancellations because of the earthquake on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

Published: 6:18pm, 3 Apr 2024Updated: 7:30pm, 3 Apr 2024

The earthquake that shook Taiwan on Wednesday also caused major disruptions to public transport in mainland China, with several coastal provinces reporting tremors that prompted suspensions and major delays to rail services.

Affected provinces included Fujian and Jiangxi in the southeast, Guangdong in southern China and Zhejiang on the east coast. The eastern metropolis of Shanghai also felt the impact, with some high-speed rail services suspended.

Local railway operators issued notices advising passengers that some services were suspended or operating at limited speed, and said they should expect delays.

The 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Taiwan at 7.58am local time, causing buildings to collapse and killing at least nine. There are 934 people reported to be injured, while efforts are continuing to rescue 56 trapped in the wreckage.

While Taiwan’s eastern Hualien county suffered the brunt of the quake, its effects were felt across the island.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Centre, the quake was monitored at a depth of about 12km (7.46 miles), with its epicentre in the waters south of Hualien.