Powerful Taiwan Earthquake Shakes Taipei, Puts Millions on Alert
A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan late last night, sending shockwaves across the island and jolting residents out of their routines. The quake, measured at around 6.6 to 7.0 in magnitude depending on the monitoring agency, was recorded just before midnight local time, with its epicentre located roughly 32 kilometres off the north-eastern coast near the city of Yilan. Although it happened offshore and deep underground, the shaking was felt widely, including in the capital, Taipei, where buildings swayed and residents described a sudden, unsettling jolt.
According to the US Geological Survey and Taiwan’s weather authorities, the earthquake originated at a depth of about 70 to 73 kilometres. Because of that depth, it was believed that the impact on the surface would be limited, and early reports seemed to support that assessment. No major casualties or widespread structural damage were immediately reported, though the tremor was strong enough to cause brief disruptions and moments of fear.
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In Yilan County, one resident described how a building first shook up and down and then side to side, lasting long enough to cause panic. He said he ran outside, shaken and scared, while many others stayed inside, unsure of what to do. Across the island, local television footage showed hanging televisions swinging inside offices, supermarket shelves knocked over, and bottles and cleaning products scattered on the floor.
In Taipei, the shaking was clearly felt, and authorities quickly began checking infrastructure. City officials later said no major damage had been found, although there were isolated cases of gas and water leaks and minor damage to some buildings. Around 3,000 homes briefly lost electricity in Yilan, but power was restored soon after.
The quake also affected Taiwan’s critical technology sector. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, one of the world’s most important chipmakers, said some facilities temporarily evacuated staff after safety thresholds were reached. Employees were later allowed to return once checks were completed and conditions were deemed safe.
President William Lai Ching-te addressed the situation through social media, reassuring the public that authorities had the situation under control while urging everyone to remain alert for aftershocks. Experts warned that additional tremors in the range of 5.5 to 6.0 could follow in the coming day.
Taiwan sits near the boundary of two tectonic plates, making earthquakes a regular threat. While this latest quake caused no major disaster, it served as a sharp reminder of the island’s vulnerability and the constant need for preparedness.
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