TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED AFTER EARTHQUAKE HITS TAIWAN

Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit south-eastern Taiwan.

The earthquake hit the rural south-eastern area of Chishang on Sunday. It has been reported that it had a depth of 10 kilometres.

The United States Geological Survey also issued tsunami warnings along the coastlines of Miyako island in the East China Sea. Both agencies later removed the warning.

The island’s official news agency, the Central News Agency, reported that four people were rescued after being trapped under the rubble of one building.

A train derailed in the same area and 20 passengers had to be evacuated. According to the Taiwan Railway Administration, there were no casualties due to the incident.

Damages were also reported at a local school in Hualien county.

CNN reports that Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen activated the island’s Central Emergency Operation Centre following the quake. Taiwanese residents have been asked to stay alert to avoid potential aftershocks.

Along the island’s eastern coast, 110 soldiers were deployed to assist with disaster relief efforts.

Image credit: Sky News