HAPPENING RIGHT NOW: 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Taiwan, Sparks Tsunami Warnings

A major earthquake has hit the east coast of Taiwan with a magnitude of 7.4, according to data from the US Geological Survey. It is the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, according to a spokesperson from Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration.

The quake’s epicenter is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the tourist city of Hualien. It was followed by multiple strong aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 6.5.
Tilted houses and damage have been reported in Hualien County, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said, adding that military troops were dispatched for disaster relief and to minimize damage.
Tsunami warnings were issued for Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines following the earthquake.

6 min ago
Philippines issues tsunami warning following Taiwan quake and orders some coastal residents to evacuate

A tsunami warning was issued in the Philippines following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan, according to the country’s Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

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Coastal areas fronting the Pacific Ocean are expected to experience “high tsunami waves.”
The first waves were forecast to hit from 8:33 a.m. local time until 10:33 a.m. on Wednesday (8:33 p.m. to 10:33 p.m. ET on Tuesday).

People in the coastal areas across the provinces of Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Isabela have been “strongly advised to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move further inland,” according to the advisory.

Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal water have also been asked to secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already out at sea should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised, the advisory read.

11 min ago
Residents inspect damage after Taiwan earthquake

Residents on the streets of Hualien in Taiwan have been inspecting damage following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, footage from CNN affiliate TVBS shows.

The footage shows the awning of a building that had collapsed on top of motorbikes in the street, and a large nine-storey building partially collapsed and leaning to the right.

20 min ago
Japan downgrades tsunami warning to advisory

A tsunami warning issued for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands in Japan has been downgraded from a warning to an advisory, according to Japan’s Meteorological Agency.

45 min ago
Japan’s Naha Airport on Okinawa has diverted all flights

All flights to Japan’s Naha Airport on Okinawa island have been diverted following a tsunami report, the airport’s spokesperson told CNN on Wednesday.

All staff and personnel have evacuated to the third floor in anticipation of the tsunami’s impact, Hideaki Tsurudo said, adding that no waves have reached the airport in the timeframe of the warning.

44 min ago
Taiwanese TV footage shows the moment tremors struck

Footage broadcast by CNN affiliate TVBS showed how Taiwanese people captured the moment the tremors struck inside their homes and businesses using phones and security cameras.

One video showed power lines swaying violently above a street, another showed chandeliers shaking in a restaurant while a third featured water spilling out of a fishbowl.

51 min ago
Flights to and from Japan’s Okinawa and Kagoshima regions suspended, Japan Airlines says

All flights from Japan’s Okinawa and Kagoshima regions have been suspended following tsunami warnings in the area, according to Japan Airlines.

Flights that were headed to the areas with tsunami warnings have been turned back, it added.

1 hr ago
Damage reported in Taiwan following earthquake

Reports of preliminary damage are emerging following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan.

Tilted houses and damage have been reported in Hualien County, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said, adding that military troops have been dispatched for disaster relief and to minimize damage and that schools and work have been suspended amid the continuing aftershocks.

—Source: CNN