A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.0 struck southern Taiwan early Tuesday, leaving 27 people injured and causing widespread disruptions. The tremors were felt across the island, with the epicenter recorded 12 kilometers north of Yujing, a district known for its mango production, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake struck just after midnight, causing buildings to sway in Taipei for nearly a minute. The shallow nature of the quake, which occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, contributed to its widespread impact. Residents reported feeling the ground shake violently, and many took to social media to share videos of swinging light fixtures and rattling furniture.
In the aftermath, rescue operations swiftly kicked into gear. Firefighters in Nanxi district successfully rescued three people, including a child, from a collapsed house. The dramatic rescue was captured in a video shared on Facebook and verified by AFP, showing emergency responders digging through rubble to reach the trapped individuals.
Elsewhere, reports emerged of people being injured by falling debris. Two individuals were trapped in elevators, highlighting the challenges posed by the sudden quake. Authorities have since confirmed that all trapped persons have been freed.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) has recorded more than 50 aftershocks since the initial quake, with some registering at magnitudes above 4.0. The CWA initially reported the earthquake as a 6.4-magnitude tremor but later revised it to 6.0, aligning with the USGS assessment.
The earthquake caused considerable damage to infrastructure. The National Fire Agency reported that ceilings in several homes collapsed, while falling rocks and landslides blocked roads. In Dapu Township, Chiayi County, roads were rendered impassable, and there were disruptions to water and electricity supplies.
The quake prompted authorities to cancel classes and office work in Nanxi district and Dapu Township. Chiayi County chief Weng Chang-liang stated that efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy, with teams working to clear blocked roads and repair utility services.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a major player in the global chipmaking industry, temporarily evacuated workers from some of its factories in the affected regions. TSMC has since reported no significant damage to its facilities.
Taiwan, situated at the convergence of two tectonic plates, is no stranger to seismic activity. The island regularly experiences earthquakes due to its position near the Pacific Ring of Fire, the most seismically active zone on the planet.
Despite the frequent quakes, Taiwan has built a reputation for its preparedness. After the devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake in 1999, which claimed around 2,400 lives, the island updated its building codes to incorporate quake-resistant construction methods. These measures have significantly reduced the damage and casualties in subsequent earthquakes.
The earthquake early warning system in Taiwan has also been enhanced over the years. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the system can alert residents to impending tremors within seconds, giving them crucial time to take protective measures. The integration of smartphones and high-speed data connectivity has further improved the reach and efficiency of these warnings, even in remote areas.
This earthquake is the most significant to hit Taiwan since April 2024, when a 7.4-magnitude quake struck near Hualien, resulting in the deaths of 17 people and extensive damage. That earthquake was considered the strongest in 25 years and served as a stark reminder of the island’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
The 1999 earthquake remains the deadliest in Taiwan’s history, with its impact still shaping the country’s approach to disaster management. The island has since prioritized infrastructure resilience and emergency response capabilities, aiming to mitigate the effects of such powerful natural events.
As of now, authorities have reported “no major damage” from Tuesday’s quake, but the injuries and infrastructure disruptions underline the ever-present risks associated with living in a seismically active region. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation, and residents are advised to stay vigilant, especially with the possibility of further aftershocks.
The government’s swift response and the robustness of Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness measures have been praised, though the event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the ongoing need for readiness.
In the coming days, efforts will focus on recovery and rebuilding, particularly in the affected areas of Nanxi district and Dapu Township. The resilience and preparedness of Taiwan’s people and infrastructure will be key to overcoming the challenges posed by this latest earthquake.
