A large 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck Taiwan, killing nine people and injuring over 900. Current estimates of those injured are at about 934. The earthquake, followed by several strong aftershocks, struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning (local time).
Rescuers are still working to reach 56 people who were trapped. Taiwan’s fire department said several buildings in Hualien partially collapsed and landslides along the east coast rendered a main highway unusable.
The earthquake, which damaged buildings and caused landslides, was the largest to hit Taiwan in 25 years and was also felt in parts of China.
Tsunami warnings were issued for Taiwan, the Okinawa islands of Japan, and parts of the Philippines.
Earthquake forecasters such as Dutchsinse on YouTube expect the geological “unrest” to continue to spread after this large quake.
According to a report by The Washington Post, the earthquake hit about 15 miles south of Hualien County just before 8 a.m. local time. Taiwan recorded 76 aftershocks in less than five hours, according to the Central Weather Administration.
The earthquake rendered roads impassable in 16 places as of the early afternoon, due to rocks falling and damage, according to the Highway Bureau at Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation.. The earthquake rendered roads impassable in 16 places as of the early afternoon, due to rocks falling and damage, according to the Highway Bureau at Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation. Roads were closed off in three locations, it also said, and authorities inspected provincial highways for obstructions.
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A mountain off the eastern coast of Taiwan partially collapsed and slid into the sea after the earthquake struck Wednesday morning. Local officials said that “a small part” of Guishan Island, or Turtle Mountain Island, a famous tourist site, had broken off. Officials posted a before-and-after image of the damage and urged people “not to worry.”
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