A powerful earthquake has struck Taiwan, causing widespread destruction and triggering a tsunami warning. The earthquake, which occurred early Wednesday morning, rocked the entire island and resulted in buildings collapsing and landslides.
The city of Hualien in eastern Taiwan was particularly affected, with buildings shaking off their foundations. Shocking footage captured the moment when entire buildings collapsed, leaving behind a trail of debris.
In one video, a man is seen standing in front of a leaning building, highlighting the precariousness of the situation. Crowds gathered to witness the destruction, as dust from the buildings' foundations filled the air.
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Not only were buildings affected, but infrastructure was also severely impacted. A bridge carrying traffic in both directions was captured on video shaking violently, while drivers attempted to navigate their way across.
Another video, taken from beneath a bridge, showed the structure wobbling under the force of the earthquake.
The earthquake was so significant that a tsunami warning was issued, not only for Taiwan but also for neighboring Japan. Japan's southwestern coast was expected to experience a 10-foot tsunami.
The quake occurred on the side of the island opposite the capital, Taipei, but it still had enough strength to cause items to fall off shelves in the city, according to a SurgeZirc UK report.
Authorities reported varying magnitudes for the earthquake, with Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency stating it was a 7.2 magnitude quake, while the US Geological Survey recorded it as a 7.5 magnitude.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of a tsunami up to 9.8 feet high for the southern Japanese island group of Okinawa. A small wave, approximately 1 foot high, was observed on the coast of Yonaguni Island about 15 minutes after the earthquake.
Train services across the entire island of Taiwan were halted, and subway service in Taipei was also suspended. These measures were taken to ensure the safety of the public during the aftermath of the earthquake and to assess any potential damage to the transportation infrastructure.
Following the earthquake, immediate response and recovery efforts were put into action. Emergency services were deployed to affected areas to provide assistance and ensure the safety of residents.
Search and rescue teams were mobilized to locate and rescue any individuals who may have been trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
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The Taiwanese government, along with local authorities, initiated disaster response protocols to manage the situation effectively. Evacuation centers were set up to provide shelter for those displaced by the earthquake. Medical teams were also dispatched to treat any injuries resulting from the quake.
As the recovery efforts continue, the government and relevant agencies must assess the extent of the damage and provide support to affected communities. Reconstruction and rebuilding will be essential to restore normalcy to the affected areas.
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