RTTue, 06 Feb 2018 17:14 UTC
A 6.4-magnitude earthquake has struck the east coast of Taiwan, the US Geological Service (USGS) reported. The epicenter of the quake was reportedly just 1km deep, some 22km east-northeast of Hua-lien.
A hotel in Hualien has collapsed following the earthquake, Reuters reported, citing the Taiwanese government.
Images posted online appear to show the first floor of the hotel severely damaged, with parts of the building crumbling onto the sidewalk.
The hotel that collapsed is the Marshal Hotel, according to
Taiwan Observer. Rescue teams have been deployed to the scene.
Freelance journalist Louise Watt tweeted that her apartment in Taipei shook as a result of the quake, adding that she received a
"loud presidential alert" on her phone at the same time.
There has been no confirmation of casualties so far and no tsunami warnings have been issued.
Earlier on Tuesday, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake hit Hualien County. That quake followed a 5.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on Sunday night, causing 80 aftershocks as of Tuesday afternoon - 10 of which could be felt by residents, Seismological Center deputy director Lu Pei-ling said, according to
Focus Taiwan.
Comment: There have been a number of strong and shallow earthquakes in the last month, for more details see:
M5.4 shallow earthquake strikes Taiwan, long and powerful tremors reported (VIDEO)Update - 7 February 2018RT
reports that at least four people have been killed and more than 220 others injured, while about 145 remain missing following yesterday's earthquake. At least five buildings collapsed, China Global Television Network (CGTN) reported. Images posted online appear to show the first floor of the Marshal Hotel in Hualien severely damaged, with parts of the building crumbling onto the sidewalk. Rescue efforts continue.
Another M6.4 quake struck Taiwan on the same day (6th February)
two years ago causing widespread damage and 117 deaths.
Comment: There have been a number of strong and shallow earthquakes in the last month, for more details see: M5.4 shallow earthquake strikes Taiwan, long and powerful tremors reported (VIDEO)
Update - 7 February 2018
RT reports that at least four people have been killed and more than 220 others injured, while about 145 remain missing following yesterday's earthquake. At least five buildings collapsed, China Global Television Network (CGTN) reported. Images posted online appear to show the first floor of the Marshal Hotel in Hualien severely damaged, with parts of the building crumbling onto the sidewalk. Rescue efforts continue.
Another M6.4 quake struck Taiwan on the same day (6th February) two years ago causing widespread damage and 117 deaths.