Taiwan earthquake: 7 killed, 736 injured in strongest quake in 25 years
Taiwan hit by 7.7-magnitude earthquake, triggering tsunami alerts. Death toll rises, rescue efforts underway. USGS vs. Japan Meteorological Agency.
A powerful earthquake rocked Taiwan's eastern region early Wednesday morning, striking with a magnitude of 7.7, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported it as a 7.4 magnitude quake. The tremor jolted the area just before 8 am local time, sparking immediate tsunami alerts for Taiwan and parts of southern Japan. The Philippines also issued warnings and initiated evacuations in coastal areas following the seismic event. The quake's impact was immediately evident, with emergency responders rushing to assist survivors trapped in damaged structures across affected areas. Images captured by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) depicted scenes of rescue efforts in New Taipei City, where individuals were extricated from collapsed buildings. Tragically, the earthquake's toll has been marked by loss, with the death toll climbing to seven and injuries surpassing 736, as reported by Taiwan's National Fire Agency. The casualties predominantly occurred in Hualien County, a mountainous region near the epicentre of the quake. The severity of the earthquake has prompted comparisons to historical seismic events, with the director of Taipei's Seismology Centre describing it as the most potent tremor in a quarter-century. Wu Chien-fu highlighted the quake's shallow depth and proximity to land, emphasizing its widespread impact across Taiwan and neighbouring offshore islands. He noted parallels to the devastating 1999 earthquake, which registered a 7.6 magnitude and claimed the lives of 2,400 individuals. Amidst the aftermath, authorities are engaged in a multifaceted response, coordinating search and rescue operations while assessing the extent of damage to infrastructure and communities. The resilience of affected regions will be tested in the coming days and weeks as efforts to rebuild and support those impacted by the earthquake unfold.
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