<h4>Recent Seismic Event: Taiwan Earthquake</h4><p>A powerful <strong>earthquake</strong>, registering <strong>7.4 on the Richter Scale</strong>, recently struck <strong>Taiwan</strong>. This significant seismic event marks one of the largest earthquakes to impact the island in at least <strong>25 years</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The earthquake's epicenter was located off the eastern coast of <strong>Taiwan</strong>, a region known for its high seismic activity due to its position on major tectonic plate boundaries.</p></div><h4>Geographical Context: Pacific Ring of Fire</h4><p><strong>Taiwan's</strong> vulnerability to such powerful earthquakes is directly linked to its location within the highly active <strong>Pacific Ring of Fire</strong>. This horseshoe-shaped zone is characterized by frequent seismic and volcanic activity.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The <strong>Pacific Ring of Fire</strong> is a direct consequence of the movement and collision of several major <strong>tectonic plates</strong>, including the Pacific Plate, Philippine Sea Plate, and Eurasian Plate.</p></div><h4>Tsunami Alert and Regional Impact</h4><p>Following the earthquake, <strong>Japan</strong> promptly issued a <strong>tsunami alert</strong>. This alert specifically targeted the <strong>Ryukyu chain of islands</strong>, which stretches from <strong>Taiwan</strong> northwards towards <strong>Japan's main island of Kyushu</strong>.</p><ul><li>The <strong>Ryukyu chain</strong> includes the strategically important island of <strong>Okinawa</strong>.</li><li><strong>Okinawa</strong> has historically been home to large <strong>US military bases</strong> since <strong>World War II</strong> and the subsequent <strong>Cold War era</strong>, highlighting the geopolitical significance of the region.</li></ul><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>For <strong>UPSC Mains GS Paper I (Geography)</strong>, understanding the geological reasons for earthquakes and their regional impacts is vital. For <strong>GS Paper III (Disaster Management)</strong>, the role of early warning systems like <strong>tsunami alerts</strong> and preparedness measures are key.</p></div>