A powerful earthquake has shook Taiwan as buildings and bridges collapsed. The US Geological Survey first estimated a magnitude of 7.2, but amended it to 6.9, which is still greater than the CWB assessment.
According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau (CWB), a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook much of Taiwan on Sunday after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Saturday.
The magnitude 6.8 quake struck at 2:44 p.m. local time (0644 GMT), with an epicenter in Taitung county, a town in Taiwan’s easternmost region. According to CWB, the quake occurred at a comparatively shallow depth of 7 kilometers (4 miles).
The US Geological Survey first estimated a magnitude of 7.2, but amended it to 6.9, which is still greater than the CWB assessment.
On Sunday, tsunami warnings were issued along coastlines within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of Taitung county. The advisories expired with no signs of high waves.
Social media videos show that structures were demolished, vital infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, was devastated, and even WaPo reported that a train derailed.
The good news is that the quake did not occur near Taiwan’s nuclear power plants.
We are currently awaiting Beijing’s reaction.