White House standing by to provide aid after deadly Taiwan earthquake

The White House on Wednesday said it is prepared to provide assistance to Taiwan as it recovers from a major earthquake that injured hundreds, and it is monitoring for potential impacts on Japan.

“The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

The earthquake hit Taiwan during morning rush hour Wednesday, killing at least nine people and injuring hundreds more. The Associated Press reported 64 people were trapped in one rock quarry, and six were trapped in another.

The quake was the strongest in roughly 25 years on the island, the AP reported. Schools were evacuated, and a tsunami warning was issued but later lifted.

Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency said the earthquake was 7.2 magnitude, while the U.S. Geological Survey said it was a 7.4 magnitude, the AP reported. Multiple aftershocks followed.