Chen Rei-jia, a bed and breakfast owner in Taiwan’s Hualien County, recently experienced the terrifying aftermath of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3. The largest earthquake to hit the island in 25 years left Chen feeling frightened and overwhelmed. She emerged from her house to find massive landslides, rocks falling everywhere, and the looming threat of destruction. The earthquake not only caused physical damage but also instilled fear in the hearts of residents like Chen.
Hualien County, known for its towering peaks and the famous Taroko Gorge, relies heavily on tourism as a significant source of income. However, the earthquake has dealt a severe blow to the tourism industry in the region. Tourists have canceled their trips, tour groups have vanished, and local businesses are struggling to survive. The normally bustling mountain roads and walking paths leading to Taroko Gorge now lie blocked with rubble, while Taroko National Park remains closed. The closure of these popular attractions has left many business owners like Lai with empty establishments and a grim outlook for the future.
Local tour guides, such as Liang Shiun-chu, have also felt the impact of the earthquake on their livelihoods. With tour packages focused on Taroko Gorge no longer viable, bookings have been canceled, and income has plummeted. The number of visitors to Hualien’s scenic spots has decreased significantly, leading to financial hardship for many tour guides. Some have resorted to working as taxi drivers to make ends meet, while others have contemplated leaving Hualien to seek work elsewhere.
After the earthquake, Hualien’s hotel occupancy levels dropped to just 5%, with the hotel industry facing a bleak outlook. To support local businesses and encourage tourism, the government has introduced programs such as loans and subsidies. However, it may take years for Hualien to fully recover from the earthquake’s impact. The region’s tourism officials are working tirelessly to restore confidence in Hualien as a safe tourist destination, but challenges remain.
Despite the setbacks, Hualien’s residents remain optimistic about the future. While businesses have suffered losses, there is a glimmer of hope that tourists will return, bringing life back to the region. Local vendors like Cheng Wen-zhong and Lin Ya-mi are hopeful that a resurgence in tourism will revive their businesses and livelihoods. Lai Sui-er, standing in her empty restaurant at the entrance to Taroko Gorge, expressed faith in the resilience of the community. Despite the challenges, she believes that with hard work and determination, Hualien can overcome the impact of the earthquake and thrive once again.