Taiwan Hit by Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years, Triggering Tsunami Warnings Across Asia: Latest Updates

Taiwan Hit by Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years: Several parts of Taipei were without power on Wednesday morning due to an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 offshore Taiwan, triggering a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines.

Located 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Hualien city and at a depth of 34.8 kilometers (21 miles), the quake struck at 7:58 a.m. local time.

According to Wu Chien-fu, the earthquake was shallow and close to land, and it was the strongest in 25 years since the September 1999 earthquake, which killed 2,400 people.

A banner on NHK's national broadcaster said, "Evacuate!".

Following the earthquake, Naha Airport, Okinawa's main airport, suspended flights from 9:25 am local time due to a tsunami alert.

Upon learning of the impending tsunami threat, incoming flights were diverted, as a precautionary measure.

It is believed that at least four people were killed and 57 others were injured in the earthquake in Hualien County, with a hiker among the dead. Officials are still gathering information about fatalities, according to the NFA.

Looks very scary #earthquake#tsunamipic.twitter.com/3pxTW2V8YV

— Aryan (@chinchat09) April 3, 2024

The Central Emergency Command Center (CEOC) says there are people trapped in seven of the buildings after at least 26 buildings collapsed Wednesday. CEOC says more than 91,000 households don't have electricity, and Taipower Company is working to fix it.

The Japan Meteorological Agency revised its initial estimate from 7.5 to 7.7 despite the challenges.

There are thousands of homes without power, a major highway closed due to landslides and rockfalls, and people trapped in collapsed buildings in Hualien County.

A NHK anchor said, "Tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately." "Do not stop. Do not go back."

It triggered tsunami warnings in Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines, with waves less than half a meter along some coasts, causing airlines to suspend flights.

Live footage showed vessels departing from ports, including Naha, in response to tsunami warnings.

A tsunami alert was issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency for the southern Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, warning of waves up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) high. It's the first tsunami to hit Okinawa in 26 years with a 30-centimeter (nearly 1 foot) wave hit the island.

After tsunami warnings, Japan Airlines canceled all flights from Okinawa and Kagoshima.

Aftershocks have closed schools and workplaces in Taiwan. Military personnel are helping with disaster relief.

The team is working to assess the damage, ensure residents are safe, and prepare for any aftershocks.

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