Taiwan earthquake death toll rises to 7, injured 736

Death toll from powerful earthquake in Taiwan rises to seven. 736 people were injured. Taiwan's National Fire Authority reported this information. Several buildings were also damaged in the earthquake that struck on Wednesday morning.

An earthquake rocked Taiwan just before 8:00 a.m. local time today. The epicenter was 18 kilometers south of Hualien City. According to the USGS, the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.4. Its origin is 34.8 kilometers deep from the surface.

Officials said a group of seven climbers was traveling on the mountain in the city of Hualien this morning. Three of them died after being crushed by rocks that fell from the mountain during the earthquake.

In addition, a truck driver was killed in a landslide near a tunnel in Hualien city during the earthquake.

Confirming the number of casualties, Taiwan's National Fire Agency said the fatalities were all in the city of Hualien. The agency did not specify how serious the condition of the injured people is.

Footage broadcast on local television channels showed several high-rise buildings collapsing in various areas, including the city of Hualien. A warehouse collapsed in New Taipei City.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen called on local and central government authorities to cooperate. He said Taiwan's military was also assisting in rescue operations.

Tsunami warnings were issued for Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines immediately after the earthquake. However, the warning was withdrawn around 10 am.

It became the most powerful earthquake in Taiwan in 25 years. Before that, in September 1999, an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck Taiwan. It killed about 2 thousand 400 people.

Taiwan's location near the intersection of two tectonic plates. However, due to strict construction rules in place in this earthquake-prone region and the creation of widespread awareness among the people about disasters, they are able to avoid major disasters.