A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the Mariana Islands early Friday morning, causing concern in the region. The earthquake, which occurred just after 6 a.m. local time in the Maug Islands area near Saipan, has raised fears of potential damage and injuries.
The Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory located in the western Pacific Ocean, experienced the powerful earthquake. Fortunately, as of late Friday morning, no reports of injuries or significant damage have been received. Additionally, no tsunami warning has been issued for the area following the earthquake.
The earthquake, which was registered about 132 miles deep, is expected to have an aftershock within the next week. This event comes just days after Taiwan was hit by a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the strongest the country has experienced in 25 years.
The Taiwan earthquake resulted in the tragic deaths of nine individuals and left over 1,000 people injured. Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued and then promptly canceled by Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines.
Natalie Neysa Alund, a senior reporter for USA TODAY, can be contacted for further information on the recent earthquakes. As the region braces for potential aftershocks and assesses the aftermath of these natural disasters, the safety and well-being of those affected remain a top priority. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.
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