According to island authorities, more than 900 people were injured, and at least nine were killed in the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan this morning. Many individuals are also still trapped in the debris of buildings.
The undersea earthquake occurred at 07:58 local time (02:58 Greek time) at a depth of 15.5 km near the eastern coast of Taiwan. It is considered the strongest earthquake to hit the island in 25 years.
The most severe material damage was recorded in Hualien, a port of 100,000 inhabitants, where two buildings collapsed. More minor damages were also noted in the capital, Taipei.
The most powerful earthquake in Taiwan’s history struck in 1999, measuring 7.7 magnitude. It resulted in 2,400 fatalities and 100,000 injuries.
At the same time, tsunami warnings issued in Taiwan and other countries, mainly concerning southwestern Japan and coastal areas of the Philippines, have been lifted as the danger is now considered to have passed. The US Pacific Tsunami Early Warning Center in Hawaii has also stated that the threat has passed.
The Japan Meteorological and Seismological Agency (JMA) estimated the earthquake to be 7.7 magnitude; the corresponding agency of Taiwan (CWA) reported it as 7.2 magnitude, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) measured its strength as 7.4 magnitude.
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