A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6,8 on the Richter scale hit the sparsely populated southeastern part of Taiwan today, the Meteorological Bureau of this island said.
The same source stated that the epicenter of the earthquake was in Taidun County, while the United States Geological Survey measured a 7,2-magnitude earthquake and issued a tsunami warning after the earthquake in Taiwan. The same warning was issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Taiwanese media reported that a low-rise building housing a store collapsed in the city of Juli and that rescuers began freeing four people trapped inside.
At the same time, it is suspected that a car was on the bridge that collapsed due to the earthquake.
The Taiwan Railways Administration said three carriages derailed at Dongli Station in eastern Taiwan after part of the platform collapsed.
About 20 passengers who were on the train were evacuated and unharmed, reports Reuters.
The quake could be felt across Taiwan, the Meteorological Bureau said, and buildings shook briefly in the capital, Taipei.
A strong earthquake (magnitude 6,6 on the Richter scale) hit Taiwan on Saturday as well.
Taiwan is located near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes.
More than 100 people died in an earthquake in southern Taiwan in 2016, while a magnitude 7,3 earthquake in 1999 killed more than 2.000 people.
Bonus video:
