Taiwan experienced its strongest earthquake in 25 years, a magnitude of 7.4, which hit the east coast of the island. According to various sources, the death toll ranges from 1 to 4, and the number of injured is up to 50. This was reported by Reuters.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at 07:58 a.m. local time, 18 km south of Hualien and at a depth of 34.8 km. It was followed by several strong tremors that were felt across the island, including in Taipei.
People were trapped in destroyed houses in Hualien County, thousands of homes were left without power, and the main highway along the east coast was closed to traffic due to landslides and rockfalls.
A Multistory Commercial and Apartment Building on the Corner of Congquing and Zhongshan Road has Partially Collapsed in the East Taiwanese City of Hualien as a result of this morning’s 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake. pic.twitter.com/zC1nkJPWO0
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 3, 2024
A representative of Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration warned that powerful aftershocks of up to 7 are expected by the end of the week.
Due to the earthquake, a tsunami threat was announced on the Japanese and Philippine islands. Japan has recommended that residents of the coastal zone of the southern prefecture of Okinawa evacuate, as a tsunami of up to 3 meters is expected soon.
