A magnitude 7,4 earthquake occurred in the city of Hualien on the east coast of Taiwan. According to preliminary findings, 34,8 people lost their lives and more than 4 people were injured in the earthquake recorded by the US Geological Survey (USGS) at a depth of 90 kilometers.
The Strongest Earthquake of the Last 25 Years
Taiwan's Central Meteorological Administration (CWA) announced the magnitude of the earthquake as 7,2 and stated that it was the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in the last 25 years. A giant wave warning was issued for the northern regions of the island, and tsunami warnings were issued in mainland China and surrounding countries, apart from Taiwan Island. China Tsunami Warning Center has issued a "red warning", which is the highest level of the 4-stage warning system.
Aftershocks and Damage
A magnitude 20 aftershock and 6,4 more aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4,7 to 5,7 were recorded within 16 minutes after the main earthquake.
Many buildings were damaged and destroyed in Hualien, which was most affected by the earthquake. Suhua Expressway was closed to traffic, and the ceiling of Taoyuan International Airport was damaged. Many roads around Hualien and in the interior of the island were also closed to transportation.
There were power and internet outages in some regions. It was reported that most of the outages were resolved by 10.30.
Rescue Efforts and Tsunami Warning
Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen expressed concern about the damage caused by the earthquake and instructed the military to support rescue efforts in Hualien and other regions.
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning that could reach a height of 3 meters for Okinawa and Miyako islands. It was reported that giant waves reached the shores of Yonaguni and Ishigaki islands near Okinawa.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also warned that coastal areas should be evacuated due to the danger of tsunami.
