Photos: Aftermath of Taiwan's Strongest Earthquake Since 1999

Taiwan typically experiences two to four moderate earthquakes annually, but saw immediate response efforts this time, with the armed forces joining rescue operations and a response center established for assistance.

The quake led to the collapse of a plastics factory in New Taipei City and power outages in over 87,000 households. However, nuclear facilities operated by the Taiwan Power Company were unaffected. The earthquake also impacted railway traffic in southeastern China. China offered to assist Taiwan with the disaster's aftermath.

Explore Sputnik’s photo gallery to see the devastation wrecked by nature:

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Taiwan's strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush on Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on the southern Japanese islands.

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Government workers and journalists are seen near firefighters working near a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan.

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Members of a search and rescue team look for victims inside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan.

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Passengers pack a south bound train as some train services were suspended in the aftermath of an earthquake in Taipei.

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In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team prepare outside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan.

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Several dozens of civilian building are levered with people trapped inside. About 90,000 households are without power.

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A person stands along a sidewalk to watch a TV showing a breaking news on tsunami for Okinawa region in Tokyo. Japan issued tsunami alerts on Wednesday after a strong quake near Taiwan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

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Passengers wait to board a southbound train as some train services were suspended in the aftermath of an earthquake.