Massive Earthquake Hits Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century has damaged buildings and left at least seven people dead. Damage was reported around the island but tsunami threats in Taiwan and Japan were later lifted. Taiwan authorities said seven people died in Hualien County near the epicenter. A five-story building in Hualien appeared heavily damaged and residents were helped out of windows. Scattered minor damage was apparent in Taipei, the capital. Landslides and debris closed highways on the east coast. Schools evacuated students to sports fields, and train service was suspended. Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude as 7.2 while the U.S. put it at 7.4. Japan said a tsunami of about a foot was measured on one island.