On Sunday, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Taiwan, leading buildings to fall and issuing tsunami warnings.
After the earthquake rocked the self-ruled island, a 600-meter-long bridge in rural southern Taiwan was destroyed. Footages show the Gaoliao bridge in eastern Hualien county in bits and pieces.
The Meteorological Agency of Japan issued a tsunami warning for Miyako island in the East China Sea; however, the warning was later cancelled. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has also issued a tsunami warning for surrounding coastlines.
Following the massive earthquake, photos revealed destroyed structures in southern Taiwan. The USGS gave it a rating of 7.2 before lowering it to 6.9.
Four individuals were rescued after being buried beneath the debris of one structure, according to the island’s official Central News Agency (CNA). According to the Taiwan Railway Administration, some 20 people were evacuated when a train derailed in the region, although there were no injuries.
Damage was also reported at a nearby school, according to Kolas Yotaka, a former presidential spokesperson campaigning for local elections in Hualien county.
Following the earthquake, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen activated the island’s Central Emergency Operation Center. According to reports, Taiwanese people have been advised to remain vigilant to prevent any aftershocks.
According to Taiwan’s defence ministry spokeswoman Sun Li-fang, some 110 troops have been sent to Hualien county, on the island’s eastern coast, to assist with disaster relief operations.
