A massive earthquake jolted Taiwan on early Wednesday, causing severe infrastructural damage on the island. Videos and photos shared by locals showed buildings tilted, and Taipei Metro and bridges shaking vigorously. The earthquake, Taiwan's strongest quake in 25 years, prompted Japan to issue a tsunami alert. However, it was downgraded to advisory after the tsunami waves were reported to not as high as predicted.
While Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency reported a magnitude of 7.2, while the US Geological Survey estimated it at 7.4. The quake occurred at 7:58 am local time, approximately 18 km south-southwest of Hualien, with a depth of around 35 km, the Associated Press reported.
Citing Taiwan's electric power company, Taiwan Power, Reuters news agency reported that more than 87,000 people were without electricity following the earthquake. Authorities are currently working to restore the power.
Videos posted by social media users showed the sheer damage in the aftermath of the earthquake. One video showed an under construction building's parts collapsing
A dashcam footage captured moments into the earthquake, bringing the traffic to a halt. Cars and vehicles were seen shaking continuously during the quake
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