A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has rocked Taiwan on Wednesday collapsing buildings in the southern city of Hualien.
The earthquake which forced a tsunami started at 7:58 a.m. local time struck south of Hualien City and followed by a 6.5 magnitude aftershock.
According to Taiwan Central Weather Administration, it was the strongest earthquake in 25 years as tsunami warnings of up to 9 feet were issued not only in Taiwan but also southern Japan.
Buildings harboring up to 106,000 people collapsed as captured on camera as they fell from the foundations. Drivers were also forced to stop as the quake also rocked major roads. In other areas landslides were experienced.
As at the time of publishing, search and rescue operations are ongoing as many people are feared dead and others trapped in the buildings. Aid is also urgently needs to those who have been affected and forced to relocate.
