The magnitude of the latest earthquake is estimated at 6.9 by the USGS
Taiwan has been hit by earthquakes for the second day in row, with the magnitude of Sunday’s tremor estimated at 6.9 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The epicenter was located in the Tainan municipality, in the south of the self-governed island, at a depth of depth of 10 km, according to the agency.
The tremors caused the collapse of a low-rise building housing a convenience store, leaving several people trapped under the rubble, according to local media.
The Taiwan Railway Administration said a train derailed in the affected area, leading to the evacuation of some 20 passengers.
Videos online have shown a road bridge that appears to have collapsed due to the shaking.
Another video of a bridge in #Hualien twisted up and dumped on one side.
7.2-magnitude #earthquake strikes off east cost of #Taiwan: USGSpic.twitter.com/HJHFEn3VBi
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) September 18, 2022
Information on casualties and the scale of destruction is so far unavailable.
Hope everyone’s safe in Hualien and Taitung!
pic.twitter.com/QRoh8DltcI
— Sana Hashmi | 胡莎娜 (@sanahashmi1) September 18, 2022
The USGS initially put the magnitude of the quake at 7.2, but later downgraded it. Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a warning for 1-meter tsunami waves for a part of the country’s Okinawa prefecture, following the tremors.
#Watch | 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan#Taiwan #Earthquake #TaiwanEarthquake pic.twitter.com/haXMHGHlC8
— NCIB NEWS NETWORK (@NCIB_INDIA_NEWS) September 18, 2022
Taiwan was also struck by an earthquake on Saturday, with an estimated magnitude of 6.4.
Another big #earthquake struck #Taitung. #Taiwan (CWB M6.8 USGS M7.2) at 14:44 local time…
The latest pics revealed serious damage to buildings and train stations in #Hualien and #Taitung… 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/fE19RI4F5g
— PTCC (@ptccfeed) September 18, 2022