There was a strong earthquake in Taiwan on Wednesday morning. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the intensity of the earthquake has been estimated at 7.4. There is a possibility of tsunami in southern Japan due to the earthquake in Taiwan. The Japanese administration has issued a tsunami warning. Japan says the first wave of tsunami has hit its two southern islands.
Metro system suspended for 40 to 60 minutes
According to media reports, the epicenter of the earthquake was 25.0 kilometers south-southeast of Hualien County Hall in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 15.5 kilometers, according to the Seismological Center. A tremor of magnitude more than 5 was felt in Yilan County in the northeast and Miaoli County in the north. A magnitude 5 quake was also recorded in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City and Hsinchu County, Taichung City, Changhua County in the northern city, the Central Weather Agency said. Metro systems in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung were suspended for 40 to 60 minutes due to the earthquake.
Why do earthquakes occur?
There are 7 plates inside the Earth, which keep rotating continuously. The zone where these plates collide is called fault line. The corners of the plates bend due to repeated collisions. When too much pressure builds up, the plates start breaking. The energy below finds a way out and after the disturbance an earthquake occurs.

Know what is the meaning of the center and intensity of earthquake?
The epicenter of an earthquake is the place just below which geological energy is released due to movement in the plates. Earthquake vibrations are more severe at this place. As the frequency of vibration increases, its effect decreases. However, if there is an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 or more on the Richter scale, the tremors are felt within a radius of 40 km. But it also depends on whether the seismic frequency is upward or downward. If the frequency of vibration is higher then less area will be affected.

How is the intensity of earthquake measured and what is the measuring scale?
Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale. It is called Richter Magnitude Test Scale. Earthquakes are measured on the Richter scale from 1 to 9. An earthquake is measured from its center i.e. epicenter. The intensity of the energy released from within the earth during an earthquake is measured. This intensity determines the magnitude of the earthquake.