Tsunami warnings issued after 6.8-magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan

The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center on Sunday issued a tsunami alert in Taiwan. It said hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 300 km of the epicentre along the coasts of Taiwan. The alert was issued after the southeastern part of the island nation was hit by an earthquake of 6.8 magnitudes yesterday.

The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at a depth of 10 km. Taiwan's weather bureau said the epicentre of the earthquake was in Taitung county which had seen a 6.4 magnitude quake day before yesterday and numerous aftershocks since then. Local



media has reported that several buildings collapsed and trains derailed in Hualien County.

Taiwan’s fire department said all four people were rescued from a building housing a convenience store that collapsed in Yuli, while three people whose vehicle fell off a damaged bridge were rescued and taken to hospital. 

The Taiwan Railway Administration informed that about 20 passengers were evacuated after a train derailed in the area. No casualties have been reported so far.