The strongest earthquake in 25 years occurred in Taiwan

The strongest earthquake since 1999 occurred in Taiwan. According to the Central Meteorological Department, several tremors of magnitude from 7.2 to 7.5 were recorded in the morning hours of Wednesday off the east coast of the island. The epicenter of the earthquake was at a depth of 15.5 km. 

According to the latest data, nine people were killed and about 900 injured. Four people died under the rubble in Hualien city, three on the Dekalun hiking trail, where the earthquake triggered a strong rockfall, and 40 others were injured.

The tremors were felt throughout Taiwan, including in the central and northern parts of it. More than 87,000 households in Taiwan are currently without electricity. Numerous videos of local residents posted on the Internet show how water comes out of stone banks in sports clubs and urban reservoirs, and water flows down from pools equipped on the roofs of high-rise buildings. 

In Hualien, rescuers rescue people from tilted, but not collapsed houses through balconies and canopies of buildings. According to reports, several dozen people are still trapped in damaged houses. This city with a population of 100,000 people was most affected by the impact of the elements, dozens of buildings collapsed there. 

Taiwanese seismologists have recorded at least 58 aftershocks. The magnitude of the two most powerful aftershocks was 6.2 and 6.5. Experts warn of new aftershocks in the coming days and even weeks.

Tremors were also felt in Japan, the Philippines and eastern China. A tsunami threat has been announced in Japan. According to the forecast of the Japan Meteorological Agency, the wave height near the Yaeyama island group and Okinawa Island in the Ryukyu Archipelago can reach 3 meters. Tsunami warnings were also issued in Taiwan and the Philippines.

In September 1999, an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 occurred in Taiwan. At that time, 2,400 people became victims.