OAN’s Avril Elfie
10:15am – Wednesday, April 3, 2024
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Taiwan’s east coast, killing nine people and injuring hundreds.
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Authorities warned that dangerous aftershocks could rock the densely populated island nation of Taiwan for several more days after Wednesday’s strong earthquake.
The quake, which struck near the east coast city of Hualien at around 8 a.m. local time, was recorded as magnitude 7.2 by Taiwanese authorities and magnitude 7.4 by the U.S. Geological Survey.
According to Taiwan’s National Fire Department, at least 1,011 people were injured, and there were reports of buildings shaking and major damage.
There were several aftershocks with a magnitude of 6.5.
Scores of people were trapped inside as several buildings collapsed or remained dangerously tilted.
Another 70 people were stranded at a mine in the city of Heping, northwest of Hualien. Landslides occurred on highways, leaving hundreds of thousands of terrified residents without power.
A tsunami warning was issued for the Philippines and southern Japan in response to the earthquake, but it was later lifted.
The White House announced Wednesday morning that it was closely monitoring the earthquake’s impact on Taiwan and Japan.
“The United States stands ready to provide any assistance needed. We are praying for all those affected,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrian Watson said. statement.
This was the largest earthquake recorded in Taiwan in the past 25 years.
This is a developing story. Please check the latest information.
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