A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake has rocked near Taiwan, sending shockwaves through the region and prompting tsunami warnings for nearby Japanese islands.
The quake, initially reported as magnitude 7.2 by Taiwan’s central weather administration, struck near Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.
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In Hualien, near the quake’s epicentre, large buildings have partially collapsed, with footage showing bridges violently shaking.
Amidst the chaos, there are reports of people trapped under debris, and local authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage.
In the wake of the earthquake, tsunami warnings have been issued for southern Japanese islands, with waves projected to reach up to three metres.
Urgent messages broadcasted by Japan’s national broadcaster NHK urged residents to evacuate immediately.
“Tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately,” an NHK anchor said.
“Do not stop. Do not go back.”
The Philippines Seismology Agency has also issued evacuation warnings for coastal areas.
Reports indicate that the quake was felt as far away as China’s Fujian province.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4, with its epicentre located 18 kilometres south of Taiwan’s Hualien City at a depth of 34.8 kilometres.
More to come.
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