Taiwan struck by violent earthquake, tsunami warning issued in Japan

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Sunday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGC), leading Japan to issue a tsunami warning.

The epicenter of the earthquake, which occurred shortly after local 14:44 (06:44 GMT), was located about 50 km north of the town of Taitung, at a depth of 10 km, the USGC said.

The day before, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck the same area and several tremors followed. Sunday’s is by far the strongest.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for islands not far from Taiwan. Waves of up to one meter are expected around 16:00 (07:00 GMT), she said.

Taiwan and its surroundings are regularly struck by earthquakes due to their location near the junction between two tectonic plates.