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Japan Under Tsunami Alert, Evacuations Ordered After Earthquake Hits Taiwan

A tsunami alert was issued in Japan on Wednesday after an earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hit Taiwan's Taipei. Videos on social media showed violent shaking in the areas the quake struck. No injuries have been reported so far. The Japan Meteorological Agency said residents around Okinawa Island, Miyakojima Island and Yaeyama Island should immediately evacuate. Waves coulld go up to three metres high.

TN World Desk

Updated Apr 3, 2024, 06:25 IST

Japan Is Under Tsunami Alert

“Tsunami waves are approaching the coasts. Evacuate as quickly as possible. Waves can hit repeatedly. Continue to evacuate until all warnings are lifted,” the meteorological agency said. The Wednesday quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude as 7.2 while the US Geological Survey put it at 7.5. Local media reports say multiple buildings in Taipei collapsed following the quake. No tsunami alerts have been issued for Guam, Hawaii or U.S. West Coast.

The JMA in a tweet said: "We will hold a press conference at 10:30 regarding the earthquake near Taiwan that occurred at around 8:58 on April 3, 2020."

Social media users posted videos of the shaking. "Multiple buildings collapse in Hualien, Taiwan after USGS reports magnitude 7.4 earthquake - local media," one person said on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.

Several reports also stated that a magnitude 7.4 earthquake (aftershock) jolted Taiwan. "Tsunami warnings and sirens have been activated, sounding off an emergency warning and urging residents to evacuate immediately," another social media user added.

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