Tsunami warning in Japan after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan

A tsunami warning was issued off the coast of Japan after an earthquake with an magnitude between 7.4 and 7.5 hit Taiwan. Officials in the Philippines are issuing a similar warning.

The earthquake’s epicenter is currently thought to be in the city of Hualien, located on Taiwan’s eastern coast. A video from the city shows significant damage to large buildings, and as the impact of the quake is evaluated, the scale of the disaster will be made more evident.

Evacuation order imposed in Okinawa

The quake occurred around 9:00 a.m. local time in Japan, and so far, residents of Okinawa Island, Miyakojima Island and Yaeyama Island have been ordered to evacuate. Scientists are warning that if a tsunami does materialize, it could reach ten feet, seriously threatening the lives of people in the area and causing severe damage to infrastructure in low-lying areas.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) will soon hold a press conference to provide more information on the earthquake threat. Scientists are warning that if a tsunami does materialize, it could reach ten feet, seriously threatening the lives of people in the area and causing severe damage to infrastructure in low-lying areas.

*This is a developing story*