Strong 6.7-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Taipei, Taiwan

A strong earthquake struck Taiwan late Saturday night, sending tremors through Taipei and other parts of the island, but authorities have confirmed that damage was minimal and critical infrastructure remained fully operational.

Taiwan’s weather authorities said the earthquake occurred at 11:05 p.m. local time on December 27, with its epicenter located offshore east of Yilan County in northeastern Taiwan. The quake was measured at magnitude 7.0 by local officials, while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded it at magnitude 6.6, with some reports describing it as a 6.7-magnitude event.

Buildings in Taipei swayed during the late-night tremor, alarming residents, but there were no reports of deaths or major structural damage. Authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control, and emergency assessments found only isolated and minor incidents.

Taiwanese officials noted occasional reports of suspected gas leaks, brief water supply interruptions, and limited damage to a small number of buildings. These issues were addressed promptly, and no widespread disruptions were recorded.

Major infrastructure providers confirmed normal operations following the quake. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) stated that some employees at sections of the Hsinchu Science Park were temporarily evacuated as part of standard safety procedures but later returned to work.

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) also confirmed that all power plants continued operating normally, although around 3,500 households in eastern Taiwan experienced a short-lived power outage.

The earthquake is the strongest to hit Taiwan since April 2024, when a powerful tremor caused building collapses and claimed at least 20 lives. Saturday’s event, while intense, did not result in similar destruction, highlighting improved preparedness and emergency response systems.

Taiwan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent seismic activity. Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and have urged residents to remain cautious, even as normal life resumes across the island.