On the afternoon of the 18th, there was a strong earthquake in eastern Taiwan, and Taiwanese media reported that buildings collapsed and trains derailed in eastern Hualien Prefecture.
According to Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, at around 2:44 pm local time on the 18th and around 3:44 pm Japan time, there was a magnitude 6.8 earthquake with an epicenter near Taitung Prefecture in eastern Taiwan.
It is said that strong shaking was observed in Taitung Prefecture and neighboring Hualien Prefecture due to this earthquake.
The Taiwanese TV station TVBS reported images of buildings collapsing and trains derailing in Hualien and other prefectures.
Taiwan's fire department is investigating the extent of the damage.