Taipei: Taiwan’s eastern coast was struck by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, resulting in one fatality and over 50 injuries, as reported. This seismic event marks the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years.
According to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale, although Taiwan’s own earthquake monitoring agency cited a slightly lower figure of 7.2. The epicenter of the quake was pinpointed in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 25.0 kilometers south-southeast of Hualien Country Hall, at a depth of 15.5 km.
The earthquake also damaged buildings in Hualien, while train services were suspended across Taiwan. Options were given to schools and government offices to cancel classes and work.
The earthquake struck at 7.58 am, about 18 km south-southwest of Hualien and was about 35 km deep. Meanwhile, train services were also suspended across Taiwan and in the capital Taipei, there were reports of tiles falling from buildings.
In Japan, authorities said a tsunami wave measuring about 1 foot was detected on Yonaguni Island about 15 minutes after the earthquake struck Taiwan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had issued a tsunami warning for residents of the coastal areas of Okinawa prefecture and warned that tsunami waves of up to 3 metres were expected to reach the country’s southwestern coast. But the Agency downgraded the warning to an advisory later.
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