7.4 earthquake strikes eastern coast of Taiwan; damage still being evaluated

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A almighty earthquake measuring 7.4 magnitude struck Taiwan connected Tuesday, followed by aggregate ample aftershocks and a tsunami that washed up connected portion of Japan.

The quake struck connected the island's eastbound seashore astatine a extent of astir 21 miles. It deed astir 11 miles south-southwest of Hualien City. It struck conscionable earlier 5 p.m. California time, which is 8 a.m. Wednesday successful Taiwan.

A 2nd large quake measuring 6.5, believed to beryllium an aftershock, struck conscionable northbound of that country astir 10 minutes later. That was followed by aggregate aftershocks measuring betwixt 5.2 to 5.7.

Japan issued a tsunami alert for the confederate Japanese land radical of Okinawa.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami question of astir 1 ft was detected connected the seashore of Yonaguni land astir 15 minutes aft the quake struck. JAMA said waves apt besides deed the coasts of Miyako and Yaeyama islands. Japan's Self Defense Force sent craft to stitchery accusation astir the tsunami interaction astir the Okinawa portion and were preparing shelters for evacuees if necessary.

American authorities said the tsunami was not expected to scope Hawaii, Guam oregon the U.S. mainland.

Taiwan's earthquake monitoring bureau measured the magnitude arsenic 7.2, portion the U.S. Geological Survey enactment it astatine 7.4.

Television showed buildings successful Taiwan's eastbound metropolis of Hualien shaken disconnected their foundations. The quake could beryllium felt successful the superior Taipei.

A five-story gathering successful lightly populated Hualien appeared heavy damaged, collapsing its archetypal level and leaving the remainder leaning astatine a 45-degree angle. In the capital, Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings and wrong immoderate newer bureau complexes.

There were nary archetypal reports of fatalities.

The quake was believed to beryllium the biggest successful Taiwan since 1999.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

DEVELOPING: This communicative volition beryllium updated.