Synopsis,
A strong earthquake measuring magnitude 7.0 struck off the northeastern coast of Taiwan late on Saturday, jolting the densely populated island and rattling buildings in major cities including the capital, Taipei. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that the quake’s epicenter was located about 32 km (20 miles) east of Yilan City in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of around 73 km, a depth that likely reduced the potential surface damage but nonetheless produced significant shaking across the region.
7.0-Magnitude Earthquake in Taiwan
The tremor was felt widely across northern and central Taiwan, registering an intensity level of 4 on the island’s seven-tier seismic intensity scale in locations such as Taipei, New Taipei City, Hualien, and Yilan counties. Residents reported buildings swaying and many temporarily evacuated homes and workplaces as a precaution. Despite the strength of the quake, there have been no immediate reports of serious casualties or large-scale destruction in the immediate aftermath, according to local authorities
Authorities mobilized emergency response teams to assess infrastructure and public safety. The National Fire Agency initiated damage assessments across affected areas, while utility providers reported brief power outages affecting thousands of homes in Yilan County, a common short-term disruption following strong seismic events. No tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake, offering some relief to coastal communities that often face heightened risk due to Taiwan’s location in a highly seismic zone.
Taiwan’s geological setting near the boundary of the Eurasian and Philippine Sea tectonic plates makes it prone to frequent earthquakes, ranging from minor tremors to major quakes. Large earthquakes have historically caused significant devastation on the island, including a 2016 quake that killed over 100 people and the 1999 Chi-Chi quake that claimed more than 2,000 lives, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilient building standards in the region.
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