TAIWAN – The death toll is at least nine with 963 injured after a massive earthquake struck Taiwan. Authorities warned that strong aftershocks could rock the densely populated island nation for several more days.
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency said more than 900 people were injured when the earthquake, measured as 7.2 magnitude by Taiwan officials and 7.4 by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck near the east coast city of Hualien at about 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
Hualien is a popular tourist destination less than 100 miles of Taipei, where buildings swayed and some damage was reported. There is a local tsunami warning for Taiwan and Japan’s Okinawa region, but no widespread Pacific tsunami is expected.
A small tsunami of half a foot was observed at Japan’s Ishigaki Island. A series of aftershocks followed the quake, reaching up to 6.5 magnitude. Rescue efforts are still underway.
TOPSHOT – This photo taken by Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan’s east. A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan’s east on the morning of April 3, prompting tsunami warnings for the self-ruled island as well as parts of southern Japan and the Philippines. (Photo by CNA / AFP) / Taiwan OUT – China OUT – Macau OUT / Hong Kong OUT RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by -/CNA/AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: 21261404This photo taken by Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows emergency workers assisting a survivor, who had been trapped in a damaged building, in New Taipei City, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan’s east. A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan’s east on the morning of April 3, prompting tsunami warnings for the self-ruled island as well as parts of southern Japan and the Philippines. (Photo by CNA / AFP) / Taiwan OUT – China OUT – Macau OUT / Hong Kong OUT RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL U
