A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan’s northeastern coastal region on Saturday, according to the island’s weather administration. The quake, measuring magnitude 7.0, occurred offshore at a depth of approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) and was felt across much of the island, including the capital, Taipei.
Buildings in Taipei shook as the earthquake was classified as intensity four, a level that may cause minor damage. City officials reported no major damage in the immediate aftermath, though isolated incidents such as gas and water leaks and minor structural damage were recorded.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake at a slightly lower magnitude of 6.6. Due to the quake’s depth and offshore location, authorities said the overall impact was expected to be limited.
Taiwan’s largest chipmaker, TSMC, stated that a small number of facilities at the Hsinchu Science Park temporarily met evacuation thresholds. Employees were evacuated as a precaution but later returned to work safely.
Power outages were also reported, with more than 3,000 households in Yilan briefly losing electricity, according to Taiwan Power Company.
President William Lai Ching-te said in a social media post that the situation was under control and urged residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks. The weather administration warned that aftershocks with magnitudes between 5.5 and 6.0 could occur within the next day.
Taiwan is located near the boundary of two tectonic plates and frequently experiences earthquakes. In April 2024, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near Hualien, killing 17 people and causing significant damage due to landslides and collapsing buildings.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as seismic activity remains a concern.
