Tsunami Alert Issued By Japan As 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Taiwan

A powerful earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale, rattled Taiwan’s eastern shores on Wednesday, as confirmed by the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS posted on X, stating, “Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.5 – 11 km NE of Hualien City, Taiwan.” The tremors were strong enough to trigger tsunami alerts in southern Japan.

 According to reports from the administration’s Seismology Center, Central News Agency reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was situated in the Pacific Ocean, 25.0 kilometers south-southeast of Hualien County Hall, at a depth of 15.5 km.

 The Central Weather Agency reported an intensity level of 5+ in Yilan County in the northeast and in Miaoli County in the north. Additionally, an intensity level of 5- was reported in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Hsinchu County in the north, as well as Taichung City, Changhua County, and Nantou County in central Taiwan.

 Due to the earthquake, metro systems in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung were temporarily suspended, with the suspension expected to last between 40 to 60 minutes, as per CNA.

 Following the tremor, a tsunami warning was issued for the coastal areas of southwestern Japan’s Miyakojima and Yaeyama regions, along with the main island of Okinawa in Okinawa Prefecture. Authorities urged residents in these regions to evacuate promptly to higher ground or safe locations, NHK reported.

 Initial reports indicated a 30-centimeter tsunami was recorded at Yonaguni Island around 9:18 a.m. Japan time on Wednesday. Forecasters are anticipating tsunami waves of up to 3 meters in height in the affected area.

The earthquake, estimated to have a magnitude of 7.5, occurred shortly before 9 a.m., with the Japan Meteorological Agency identifying the epicenter near Taiwan, according to NHK.

 Anticipated tsunami arrival times are projected for 9:30 a.m. in the Miyakojima-Yaeyama region and 10 a.m. in the Okinawa main island region.

In response to the situation, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an alarm for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, cautioning residents about imminent waves as high as 3 meters, NHK reported.

 The earthquake and subsequent tsunami alerts serve as a stark reminder of the seismic activity in the region, prompting swift responses from authorities to ensure the safety of residents in affected areas.