A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Sunday, according to the United States Institute of Geological Studies (USGC) leading Japan to issue a tsunami warning. The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 50 km north of Taitung city at a depth of 10 km, the USGC said.
A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Sunday, according to the United States Institute of Geological Studies (USGC), leading Japan to issue a tsunami warning. The epicenter of the earthquake, which occurred shortly after 2:44 p.m. local time (0644 GMT), was located about 50 km north of the city of Taitung, at a depth of 10 km, the USGC said.
The day before, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake had hit the same area and several tremors followed. That of Sunday is however by far the strongest. Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning for islands near Taiwan. Waves up to a meter high are expected around 4 p.m. (0700 GMT), she said. Taiwan and its surroundings are regularly hit by earthquakes due to their location near the junction between two tectonic plates.
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