3-4-2024 (MANILA) The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has lifted the tsunami warning following a powerful earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday. No significant sea level disturbances were recorded, leading to the cancellation of the warning, as stated in an advisory by Phivolcs.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the tsunami threat resulting from the magnitude 7.4 earthquake has now diminished. Taipei authorities reported no injuries or fatalities at the time of the announcement.
The earthquake occurred shortly before 8 a.m. local time and triggered tsunami warnings in Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Philippines. The US Geological Survey measured the quake’s magnitude at 7.4.
By 10:03 a.m. Taiwan time, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center declared that “the tsunami threat has now largely passed,” but urged those residing near coastal areas to remain vigilant.
An emergency message sent out around 10:14 a.m. Taiwan time notified the public that the tsunami had gradually reached the Taiwan coast. People in coastal regions were advised to exercise caution, take necessary precautions, and remain alert to the dangers posed by sudden waves surges.
An official from the Hualien county fire department, near the epicenter of the quake, informed AFP that two buildings had collapsed and there were concerns about people being trapped. However, no further details were provided.
During a national briefing, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency reported that 26 buildings had been reported as tilting or collapsing, but did not disclose their specific locations. No casualties had been reported at the time.
Taiwan is no stranger to earthquakes, with its residents accustomed to frequent tremors.
