TAIPEI: A 6. 8 magnitude earthquake hit the sparsely filled southeastern part of Taiwan on Sunday (Sep 18), the island’s weather bureau mentioned, with some initial reports of damage including a derailed teach carriage, and sparking a tsunami caution.
The weather bureau said the epicentre was in Taitung county, and followed a 6. four magnitude temblor upon Saturday evening within the same area, which usually caused no casualties.
The US Geological Survey measured the quake at a degree 7. 2 with a depth associated with 10km.
Taiwan media said a low-rise building housing a convenience store collapsed and recovery work had started to free these inside.
The particular Taiwan Railways Administration said three carriages came off the side rails at Dongli train station in eastern Taiwan after part of the system canopy collapsed, and the roughly 20 people aboard had been evacuated.
The US Tsunami Warning Center offers issued a tsunami warning in Taiwan. It mentioned hazardous tsunami surf were possible within 300km of the epicentre along the coasts associated with Taiwan.
The quake could be sensed across Taiwan, the weather bureau said. Buildings shook briefly within the capital Taipei.
Japan’s weather company issued a warning for tsunami surf of 1m meant for part of Okinawa prefecture following the earthquake.
The USGS stated that the quake hit at 2 . 44pm about 50km northern of the city of Taitung.
Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is susceptible to earthquakes.
This is actually the second earthquake to hit Taitung in as numerous days.
Upon Saturday, a 6. 5-magnitude quake hit at just after 9. 30pm regarding 50km north of the coastal city of Taitung at 10km strong, the USGS said.
That quake could be felt throughout Taiwan, according to the island’s weather bureau. Structures shook briefly in the capital Taipei.
Taiwan’s deadliest actually quake was a seven. 6-magnitude jolt in September 1999 that killed over 2, 400 people.