At Least seven people killed and over 700 injured as powerful earthquake hits Taiwan

At least Seven people were killed and more than 700 injured by a powerful earthquake in Taiwan. 

An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale hit Taiwan’s eastern shores today, triggering tsunami warnings in the region. 

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake had a magnitude of 7.4, with its epicentre 18 kilometres south of Taiwan’s Hualien City at a depth of 34.8 km. 

The director of Taipei’s Seismology Centre Wu Chien Fu said, the earthquake is felt all over Taiwan and offshore island and it is the strongest in 25 years.

According to the initial reports, multiple buildings have partially collapsed in Hualien and are shown leaning at precarious angles. 

 Authorities said, dozens of people remained trapped in buildings.

The tremor triggered tsunami alerts in southern Japan also. As per reports, a 30-centimeter tsunami was recorded at Yonaguni Island around 9:18 am. 

Japan time today. In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency sounded the alarm for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, cautioning residents about imminent waves as high as 3 meters. 

The Philippines’ seismology agency has also issued a tsunami warning. Chinese state media said, tremors were felt in parts of China’s south-eastern Fujian province.