Updated 03.55 | Published 02.55
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full screen A five-story building collapsed in Hualien in eastern Taiwan. Photo: Tvbs Via AP/TT
Tsunami warnings have been issued in Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan’s east coast.
Buildings have collapsed in southern Taiwan as a result of the quake, which is said to be the strongest in 25 years.
“A tsunami warning is issued to remind people in coastal areas to be vigilant,” said an emergency message issued by Taiwanese authorities overnight Wednesday.
Tsunami waves as high as three meters are expected at remote Japanese islands in the region, including Miyakojima and the main island of Okinawa, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
– The tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately, says a newscaster at Japan’s NHK.
The Philippines is also warning of a tsunami and has ordered the evacuation of coastal areas.
The quake in Taiwan, which occurred just before eight on Wednesday morning, is believed to be the strongest in 25 years, the head of Taipei’s weather agency said.
– The earthquake was close to land and it is shallow. It has been felt all over Taiwan and on islands off the coast, Wu Chien-fu told reporters.
Houses have been damaged in eastern Taiwan as a result of the quake, including a five-story building in the city of Hualien whose first floor collapsed. Several aftershocks have been felt in the capital, Taipei.
The earthquake was measured at magnitude 7.4 according to the United States Geological Survey USGS.