Tue Jan 06 02:10:00 UTC 2026: A powerful earthquake struck eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse and triggering tsunami warnings in the region. The quake, which hit at 7:58 a.m. local time, registered a magnitude of 7.4 according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.5. The epicenter was located 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Hualien City, at a depth of 34.8 kilometers (21.6 miles).
Initial reports indicate significant damage in Hualien, with buildings tilting precariously. At least four people have been reported dead and dozens injured. Tsunami warnings were issued for Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, with waves of up to 3 meters (10 feet) predicted for some coastal areas. Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for the southern Japanese islands of Okinawa, while the Philippine authorities also issued a warning and advised residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground. Rescue efforts are underway, and authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage. This is reportedly the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years.
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