An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck Taiwan just before 8am (Taipei time). The epicentre of the quake was quite close to the island, prompting emergency tsunami warnings in Taiwan itself and on the Japanese islands of Okinawa Prefecture (southwest).
Waves of more than three metres are expected in Okinawa, where 30-centimetre waves have already arrived. An emergency tsunami warning has also been issued in the Philippines.
In the city of Hualien, Taiwan, buildings collapsed after the earthquake, trapping residents.
Estimates of the earthquake’s magnitude vary, depending on which meteorological and seismological service is assessing it. Specifically:
- The Japanese Meteorological and Seismological Agency (JMA) estimated the magnitude at 7.5.
- The equivalent service in Taiwan (CWA) reported a magnitude of 7.2.
- The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimated the magnitude at 7.4
The quake was described as the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years. Taiwan’s capital Taipei was affected by the quake, with a Reuters reporter noting power cuts in some areas of the city.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office expressed deep concern and suggested sending aid after the powerful earthquake.
