7 Dead, 730 Injured As “Strongest Earthquake In 25 Years” Jolts Taiwan

At least seven persons died when a massive earthquake hit Taiwan on Wednesday. Over 730 persons were also reported to be injured in the major earthquake that hit Taiwan.

Most deaths occurred in Hualien county of Taiwan, the epicentre of the quake. Three of them died while on a hiking trail. Another met his death in a highway tunnel.

The earthquake was followed by strong aftershocks. It is warned that more tremors may occur in the days ahead.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS),  Wednesday’s earthquake in Taiwan was of magnitude-7.4 struck just before 8:00 am local time (0000 GMT), with the epicentre 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Taiwan’s Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometres.

Wednesday’s earthquake was the strongest felt in Taiwan since one of 7.6-magnitude struck in September 1999, killing around 2,400 people.

In Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines, authorities initially issued a tsunami warning but by around 10 am (0200 GMT), the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the threat had “largely passed”.

Taiwan is regularly hit by earthquakes as the island lies near the junction of two tectonic plates.