• By Vivek Raj
  • Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:32 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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India has issued an advisory for its citizens residing in Taiwan in the wake of a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the island nation early Wednesday morning. The India Taipei Association has also established a helpline number for Indian nationals, aiming to provide assistance and guidance during this critical situation.

In a statement, the India Taipei Association informed about the emergency helpline set up for Indian nationals living in Taiwan and seeking assistance, guidance, or clarification.

"In view of the earthquake striking off the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of Wednesday, 03 April 2024, the following emergency helpline has been set up by the India Taipei Association for assistance, guidance, or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan: Mobile: 0905247906; Email: ad.ita@mea.gov.in," the association said in a post on X.

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The advisory stressed the importance of adhering to advisories and guidelines issued by local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all Indian nationals in Taiwan.

"All Indian nationals are further requested to follow advisories issued by the local authorities. ITA also requests Indian nationals in Taiwan to share this advisory through their local networks for wider circulation," it added.

The devastating earthquake has resulted in at least seven deaths and over seven hundred injuries, as reported by news agency Reuters.

Reports indicate that over 26 buildings, predominantly in Hualien, have collapsed, trapping approximately 20 individuals under debris. Rescue operations are underway to extract those trapped and provide necessary assistance.

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The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in neighboring countries such as Japan and the Philippines. Japan's weather agency reported small tsunami waves in parts of Okinawa and later downgraded the tsunami warning to an advisory. The earthquake's magnitude was estimated at 7.7 by Japan's Meteorological agency.

Meanwhile, the Philippines Seismology Agency issued warnings for residents in coastal areas of multiple provinces, urging them to evacuate to higher ground as a precautionary measure against potential tsunamis.