A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s northeastern coastal region late Saturday night. According to Taiwan’s weather administration, the quake occurred at 11:05 p.m. local time in the waters off Yilan County. The epicenter was located at a depth of approximately 73 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface. The report was carried by Al Jazeera.
The strong tremor caused buildings to shake in the capital Taipei and surrounding areas. Panicked residents rushed out of their homes and gathered in open spaces. However, no immediate reports of casualties or major damage have been received.
The Taipei City Government said there was no large-scale destruction, though minor damage was reported in some areas, including gas and water pipe leaks and slight structural damage to several buildings.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Power Company stated that more than 30,000 households in Yilan experienced temporary power outages following the quake. Electricity supply was later restored gradually.
Global chip manufacturing giant TSMC said that, as a precautionary measure, employees were temporarily evacuated from some facilities at the Hsinchu Science Park in northern Taiwan. Workers later returned after the situation stabilized.
Taiwan’s weather administration warned that aftershocks measuring between 5.5 and 6.0 could occur within the next 24 hours. However, officials noted that the quake’s greater depth and offshore location likely helped limit the extent of damage.
In a social media post, President Lai Ching-te said the situation remains under control. He urged the public to remain calm while staying alert to possible aftershocks.