Taipei: A strong earthquake hit southern Taiwan early Tuesday, causing minor injuries to at least 15 people.
Details of the Earthquake
The quake struck at 12:17 a.m. local time, with a magnitude of 6, according to the USGS.
Its epicenter was 12 kilometers (7 miles) north of Yujing, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 6.4. There were no immediate fatalities.
Rescue and Damage Assessment
Emergency teams rushed to affected areas, assessing structural damage caused by the tremor.
15 people sustained minor injuries, with six, including a child, rescued from a collapsed building in Tainan.
The fire department confirmed the rescue operation in Nanxi District, where residents were trapped by fallen debris.
Several structures, including parts of the Zhuwei bridge on a provincial highway, showed signs of damage.
Historical Context of Taiwan’s Seismic Activity
This tremor follows another destructive earthquake in April 2024, which struck Taiwan’s eastern coast.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit the Hualien region, resulting in 13 deaths and over 1,000 injuries.
Taiwan remains vulnerable to frequent earthquakes, as it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Earthquake Risks for Taiwan
The island faces regular seismic activity, and this recent quake serves as a reminder of potential hazards.
Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks, though no significant follow-up tremors have been reported.
