A 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday morning, causing tsunami panic across the region, triggering landslides and downing buildings.
Four people were confirmed dead and at least 57 were injured, according to Taiwan’s national fire agency.
The local United Daily News reported three hikers died in rockslides in Taroko National Park near the offshore epicenter.
The Earthquake Rocked Hard
As it is, this may be the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years, after a deadly 7.7-magnitude quake in 1999 killed around 2,400 people.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami alert for the southern islands of the Far East country following the tremor, which happened shortly before 9am local time on Wednesday morning (8pm New York, 1am UK, 11am Sydney).
Multiple videos show buildings crumpled and landslides throwing up huge clouds of dirt and dust.
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Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration agency said the quake could be felt across the whole island nation – measuring 7.7 at the epicentre. Several aftershocks registering more than magnitude-6.0 followed the initial quake.
Warning Alert
Taiwan and neighbouring countries rushed to issue tsunami alerts and advised residents to be prepared to evacuate, or to retreat to safe zones after the quake.
A 3.3ft (one-metre) tsunami wave hit the coast of Taiwan in the immediate aftermath of the tremors but it was unclear if it caused any damage.
