Strong earthquake jolts Taiwan; several building collapsed, train services halted

Taipei's Seismology Centre director Wu Chien-fu said that the earthquake in Taiwan on Wednesday is 'the strongest in 25 years'. "The earthquake is close to land and it's shallow. It's felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands... it's the strongest in 25 years since the (1999) earthquake," said Wu Chien-fu. (Image: AFP)

Multiple buildings collapsed in Hualien and around 20 individuals are trapped, as per Taiwan authorities. (Image: AP)

At least four people lost their lives and multiple were injured, as per Taiwan's fire agency. As rescue and evaluation efforts continue, the focus remains on assessing the full extent of the damage, ensuring the safety of residents, and preparing for potential aftershocks or additional tsunami waves.

Tsunami warnings were issued in Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Advisories caution waves up to 1 meter above tide levels in some Japanese coasts.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake's magnitude as 7.4. Later Japan's Meteorological Agency revised its initial estimate of magnitude from 7.5 to 7.7. The epicenter for the earthqake was located 18 kilometers south of Taiwan's Hualien City at a depth of 34.8 kilometers. (Image: Reuters)

The earthquake caused significant infrastructure damage, particularly in Taiwan, where buildings in Hualien turned to rubble. (Image: AP)

Train service was suspended in Taiwan following the quake. Subway service was also suspended in Taipei, where a newly constructed above-ground line partially separated. (Image: AFP)

The main airport in Okinawa, Naha Airport, saw a suspension of flights from 9:25 am local time as a tsunami alert was activated following the earthquake. However, it services was later resumed as Japan lifted tsunami warning. (Image: Reuters)