The island was hit by the strongest tremors in 25 years, its chief seismologist said
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, damaging buildings and triggering a tsunami warning.
The earthquake struck off the coast of Hualien Country at 7:58 am local time and was felt across the island, including its capital Taipei, officials said.
Wu Chien-fu, the head of Central Weather Administration’s Seismological Center, said it was the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan since 1999. At least one person was killed and more than 50 were injured, Reuters reported, citing Taiwan’s fire department. Local media said that some people may still be trapped in their homes.
Several tall buildings have partially collapsed. In other regions, the earthquake has triggered landslides.
Footage of buildings collapsing in or around Taipei, Taiwan.
pic.twitter.com/NHFfctgxrF
— Ｎｅｒｄｙ 🅰🅳🅳🅸🅲🆃 (@Nerdy_Addict) April 3, 2024
Videos posted to social media show multi-story buildings dangerously leaning to one side.
⚠️🇹🇼 live helicopter shot of Taiwan many buildings have collapsed warning for more aftershocks⚠️ pic.twitter.com/pdLm4MMXv5
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) April 3, 2024
🚨BREAKING: 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan just moments ago #earthquake pic.twitter.com/SebWXh3wO8
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) April 3, 2024
Work and school classes were suspended in Hualien, as were high-speed rail services in several cities.
Tsunami alerts were issued for southern Japan and the northern areas of the Philippines. Naha Airport on Japan’s Okinawa has suspended all flights.
The earthquake was also felt in several cities of mainland China, including Shanghai, according to Global Times.