(CMR) A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, 3 April, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. This is the most powerful earthquake to shake the island in 25 years.
The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the lightly populated city of Hualien.
Reports from AP are that a five-story building in Hualien appeared heavily damaged, collapsing its first floor and leaving the rest leaning at a 45-degree angle. In the capital, Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings and within some newer office complexes.
Train service was suspended across the island of 23 million people, as was subway service in Taipei. But things quickly returned to normal in the capital, with children going to school and the morning commute appearing to be normal.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said a 30-centimeter (about 1 foot) tsunami wave was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. JAMA said waves likely also hit the coasts of Miyako and Yaeyama islands. Japan’s Self Defense Force sent aircraft to gather information about the tsunami impact around the Okinawa region and was preparing shelters for evacuees if necessary.
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