Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years leaves nine dead, hundreds injured

The magnitude-7.2 quake struck offshore just before 8am local time, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) putting the epicentre 18km south of Taiwan's Hualien City.

At least nine people were killed and more than 800 injured on Wednesday (Apr 3) by a powerful earthquake in Taiwan that damaged dozens of buildings and prompted tsunami warnings that extended to Japan and the Philippines before being lifted.

The magnitude-7.2 quake struck offshore just before 8am local time, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) putting the epicentre 18km south of Taiwan's Hualien City.

It was the strongest to shake the island in at least 25 years, officials said, as they warned of more tremors in the days ahead.

"The earthquake is close to land and it's shallow. It's felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands," said Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei's Central Weather Administration's Seismology Center.