Taiwan experienced a fresh jolt of seismic activity on Wednesday as a strong earthquake struck the island’s southeast. The tremor rattled homes, offices, and public spaces across multiple cities. While the shaking caused brief panic, authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage.
Where Did the Taiwan Earthquake Strike?
The earthquake struck Taiwan’s southeastern coastal county of Taitung. Officials measured the quake at a magnitude of 6.1. The tremor originated at a shallow depth of around 11.9 kilometres. Shallow earthquakes often cause stronger surface shaking, even when damage remains limited.
Another assessment recorded the quake at magnitude 6.0 near Taitung City at 09:47 UTC, or 17:47 local time.
Strong Shaking Felt Across Taiwan
The quake sent noticeable tremors through several parts of the island. Buildings shook in the capital city of Taipei. Residents in southern cities, including Kaohsiung, also felt strong jolts. Areas close to the epicentre experienced the most intense shaking.
In Taitung County, the movement knocked items off shelves inside a supermarket. Many residents stepped outside as a precaution.
No Immediate Damage to Transport or Industry
Authorities reported no damage to Taiwan’s transport networks after the quake. Emergency teams remained on standby to respond if needed.
Major industries also reported minimal impact. Taiwan’s leading chipmaker said the quake did not cross the threshold that would require factory evacuations. Operations continued as normal.
Why Earthquakes Are Common in Taiwan
Taiwan sits at the meeting point of two tectonic plates near the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region remains the most seismically active zone in the world. The island regularly experiences earthquakes of varying intensity. Strict building codes and early warning systems help reduce the risk to life and property.
The latest tremor comes months after Taiwan’s most powerful earthquake in decades. In April 2024, a 7.4-magnitude quake struck near Hualien. That disaster killed at least 17 people and triggered landslides. It caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The 2024 quake was the strongest to hit Taiwan since 1999, when a 7.6-magnitude earthquake claimed thousands of lives. Officials continue to monitor seismic activity. They urged residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines in case of aftershocks.
