Largest earthquake in 25 years in Taiwan leaves at least

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the east coast of Taiwan this Wednesday morning (3), causing 9 deaths and leaving more than 900 people injured according to information from the local fire department.

Followed by strong aftershocks, this earthquake was the strongest to hit Taiwan in the last 25 years and was also felt in parts of China, including Shanghai. Fujian province, closest to Taiwan, was most affected.

The earthquake hit about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Hualien County just before 8 a.m. local time. Taiwan recorded 76 aftershocks in less than five hours, according to the Central Meteorological Administration.

According to the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (Gdacs), an organization linked to the United Nations and the European Commission, two earthquakes occurred. One of magnitude 7.4 and a second of magnitude 6.5.

Rescue teams work to pull victims from rubble in Taiwan / HUALIEN FIRE DEPARTMENT / AFP

Taiwan’s fire department said several buildings in Hualien partially collapsed and landslides along the east coast rendered a main highway unusable.

Rescue teams are working to rescue 56 people who were trapped in the rubble. Japan, the Philippines and mainland China even issued tsunami warnings, which were later cancelled.

*With information from Washinton Post and Folha de S. Paulo

Editing: Rodrigo Durão Coelho