7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 4, Injures 97 in Taiwan; Tsunami Warning Issued

7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 4, Injures 97 in Taiwan; Tsunami Warning Issued

The number of people who died following a big earthquake in Taiwan on Wednesday has increased to four, as reported by the national fire agency.

It was the most powerful earthquake in 25 years since a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan in 1999.

Taiwan's National Fire Agency reported that at least four people died and over 60 others were injured in the earthquake. The fatalities happened in Hualien County, including one hiker. The NFA mentioned that officials were still collecting information about the casualties.

The earthquake's center was in waters approximately 25km (15.5 miles) south of the eastern county of Hualien and 138km from Taipei, according to the Central Weather Bureau. The tremor was felt throughout the island, leading to buildings collapsing.

Tsunami warnings have been given on the island and also in mainland China and other nearby areas.

There are reports of significant damage, including people stuck in buildings that collapsed in Hualien County. Thousands of homes have lost power, and a major highway along the east coast is closed because of landslides and rocks falling, according to Taiwanese officials.

The earthquake initially led to tsunami warnings in Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines. Waves less than half a meter were seen along some coasts, causing airlines to stop flights.

According to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Command Center (CEOC), the earthquake on Wednesday caused at least 26 buildings to collapse, with 15 of them in Hualien County. CEOC also mentioned reports of people being trapped in seven of these buildings.

According to CEOC, over 91,000 households currently don't have electricity. The island’s government-operated Taipower Company is working to solve the problem, CEOC stated.

Videos shared on social media depicted multiple buildings that had collapsed in Hualien. Additionally, residents were seen assisting trapped individuals to escape through the windows of a damaged apartment complex.