A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan's east coast on Wednesday, killing at least seven people. This is the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years. Tsunami warnings were also issued across the island and the neighbouring regions.
As reported by Reuters, more than 700 people have been injured, with 77 trapped in tunnels and collapsed buildings.
At least 70 miners are trapped in two coal mines following the strong tremors that rocked the island, AP reported.
The earthquake's epicentre was situated approximately 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Hualien City in Taiwan, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS stated that the quake occurred at a depth of 34.8 kilometres.
Japan's Meteorological Agency recorded the magnitude slightly higher at 7.5, anticipating tsunami waves of up to three metres (10 feet) in height for remote Japanese islands such as Miyakojima.
Reports indicated that tremors lasting over a minute were felt in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, where news broadcasts showed footage of buildings shaking.
Taiwan, due to its geographic location near the convergence of tectonic plates, experiences frequent seismic events.
The region was last struck by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in September 1999, a disaster that claimed approximately 2,400 lives in the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in Taiwan earthquake.
Taking to microblogging site—X, he said: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to earthquakes in Taiwan today. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it.”
