Early Wednesday morning, Taiwan experienced the strongest earthquake to hit the island nation in 25 years.
To date, there have been nine deaths, over 900 injured, an unknown number of people missing or trapped and multiple buildings collapsed in the aftermath of the 7.2-7.4 magnitude quake that rocked the city of Hualien along the eastern coast.
“At present the most important thing, the top priority, is to rescue people,” says President-elect Lai Ching-te.
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The massive event sent shock waves throughout the South Pacific, literally and figuratively, as a tsunami warning was issued for Japan and the Philippines but has since been lifted.
As reported by Reuters, “Japan was rocked by its deadliest quake in eight years on New Year’s Day when a 7.6 magnitude temblor struck in Ishikawa prefecture, on the western coast. More than 230 people died in the quake that left 44,000 homes fully or partially destroyed.”
Now two 7.0+ earthquakes have hit the area in the first four months of 2024.
According to the electricity provider Taipower, much of the power that was knocked out has been restored, and thankfully, the two nuclear power plants on the island were not affected by the quakes.
Reports from the Japanese weather agency who detected the quake recorded the magnitude as high as 7.7, while the state media in China reported that the quake was felt as far as the province of Fujian.
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows,” (Matt. 24:6-8).
Jesus says these words to His disciples as the beginning of the end times. This is not to say any one event taking place right now is the starting point of the Great Tribulation, but Jesus tells His followers time and again, in parable and plainly, to watch for the signs. We must pay attention to what is happening in the world around us and ensure that our hearts are prepared for the day He returns.
In the meantime, we are called to action. To pray and provide care to those affected by such tragedies in ways that we are able. Anyone and everyone can pray and fast, while others are able to assist financially. We are called to be salt to the world and beacons of the love of Jesus Christ. While using biblical discernment for the times we are living in, we can show the world that there is power in the mighty blood of Jesus, shining a light in the growing darkness.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
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