Earthquake – Tsunami warning in three countries

Buildings are reported to have collapsed in the city of Hualien on the east coast of Taiwan after an earthquake.

The country’s media reports on people being locked up.

Biggest in 25 years

According to state media, the earthquake is the strongest to hit the country in 25 years.

Tsunami warnings have been issued for both Taiwan and Japanese areas following Wednesday’s quake, which is reported to have had a magnitude of between 7.2 and 7.5.

According to the Japanese broadcaster NHK, the tsunami was expected to reach the coast of Okinawa at 10:00 a.m. local time – which corresponds to 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday Norwegian time.

Coastal areas

An evacuation order has been issued for the coastal areas. According to the broadcaster, it has already reached the island of Yonaguni. The size of the tsunami must have been 0.3 metres.

According to Japanese meteorological authorities, the quake was very shallow.

According to the news agency Reuters, witnesses report that the strong tremor was noticeable in Taiwan’s capital Taipei, where the power is out in several areas. The country’s meteorological authorities state the strength to be 7.2.

Also the Philippines

According to the Seismological Center of the Philippines, coastal areas towards the Pacific Ocean may experience “high tsunami waves”. People are asked to move to higher ground or further inland.

Chinese authorities report that the quake was felt in Fujian province and in Shanghai.