The White House announced on Wednesday that it is ready to assist Taiwan in its recovery following a large earthquake that injured hundreds of people and that it is watching any consequences for Japan.
“The United States is prepared to provide any support that may be required. “All those affected are in our thoughts and prayers,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.
The earthquake struck Taiwan during the morning rush hour on Wednesday, killing at least nine people and wounding hundreds more. One rock quarry trapped 64 people, while another trapped six.
The earthquake was the strongest on the island in around 25 years, according to the Associated Press. Authorities evacuated schools and issued a tsunami warning before lifting it.
According to the Associated Press, Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency reported a magnitude of 7.2, while the United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.4. Several aftershocks followed.
