Taiwan hit by strongest quake in 25 years: seven dead and hundreds injured amid landslides and collapsed buildings
Taiwan has been struck by its most powerful earthquake in 25 years, killing at least seven and injuring at least 700. The 7.7 magnitude caused buildings to collapse, power outages and landslides on the island. The quake has sparked tsunami warnings in southern Japan and the Philippines.
It struck the popular tourist city of Hualien, on Taiwan’s eastern coast, damaging buildings and trapping people amid aftershocks following the quake, which started at 7.58 am.
The remote, mountainous region of Hualien was rocked by huge landslides, causing damage which could take weeks to repair.
Tremors were felt as far as the capital Taipei, with videos showing buildings shaking violently
#BREAKING: Multiple buildings collapse after earthquake hits eastern Taiwan#BreakingNews
— Video Forensics (@Video_Forensics) April 3, 2024
Credit: @northicewolf pic.twitter.com/WMkv1zwl3u
Videos on social media showed children being rescued from collapsed residential buildings. One five-storey building in Hualien appeared heavily damaged, its first floor collapsed and the bulk of the building leaning at a 45-degree angle.
Taiwan earthquake now – videos
Horrific!! 7.4 magnitude #earthquake hit #Taiwan and #Japan. #Tsunami warning issued.#Taipei pic.twitter.com/snCDFUz4OQ
— Rahul Bhardwaj (@_rahulism_) April 3, 2024