00:59A fire broke out at Hualien’s National Dong Hwa University on Wednesday, after a huge earthquake hit Taiwan's east coast.
Footage shows flames and smoke rising from the upper floors and the sound of an explosion, as well as emergency vehicles parked outside. Damage and debris could also be seen in the corridors of the building, and broken pavements.
At time of publication, Taiwanese officials reported nine people killed, 821 injured and 127 trapped under the rubble. Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Centre reported that 26 buildings had collapsed in Hualien County, the area worst affected by the quake.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) said the epicentre of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake was 25km southeast of Hualien County Hall at a depth of 15.5km. Tsunami warnings for Japan’s southern area of Okinawa and the Philippines were later lifted.
Wednesday’s earthquake is reportedly the biggest to hit Taiwan since 1999 when a 7.6 magnitude tremor left at least 2,400 dead.
Fire erupts at Hualien’s National Dong Hwa University as Taiwan hit by worst earthquake in 25 years
A fire broke out at Hualien’s National Dong Hwa University on Wednesday, after a huge earthquake hit Taiwan's east coast.
Footage shows flames and smoke rising from the upper floors and the sound of an explosion, as well as emergency vehicles parked outside. Damage and debris could also be seen in the corridors of the building, and broken pavements.
At time of publication, Taiwanese officials reported nine people killed, 821 injured and 127 trapped under the rubble. Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Centre reported that 26 buildings had collapsed in Hualien County, the area worst affected by the quake.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) said the epicentre of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake was 25km southeast of Hualien County Hall at a depth of 15.5km. Tsunami warnings for Japan’s southern area of Okinawa and the Philippines were later lifted.
Wednesday’s earthquake is reportedly the biggest to hit Taiwan since 1999 when a 7.6 magnitude tremor left at least 2,400 dead.
A fire broke out at Hualien’s National Dong Hwa University on Wednesday, after a huge earthquake hit Taiwan's east coast.
Footage shows flames and smoke rising from the upper floors and the sound of an explosion, as well as emergency vehicles parked outside. Damage and debris could also be seen in the corridors of the building, and broken pavements.
At time of publication, Taiwanese officials reported nine people killed, 821 injured and 127 trapped under the rubble. Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Centre reported that 26 buildings had collapsed in Hualien County, the area worst affected by the quake.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) said the epicentre of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake was 25km southeast of Hualien County Hall at a depth of 15.5km. Tsunami warnings for Japan’s southern area of Okinawa and the Philippines were later lifted.
Wednesday’s earthquake is reportedly the biggest to hit Taiwan since 1999 when a 7.6 magnitude tremor left at least 2,400 dead.