Major 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Taiwan, Second Severe Tremor in Three Days

A powerful earthquake struck northeastern Taiwan late Saturday night. The 7.0-magnitude tremor occurred off the coast of Yilan county. It was felt strongly in the capital city of Taipei, shaking buildings and alarming residents.

This is the second significant quake to hit the island in just 72 hours. According to the island’s weather administration, the seismic event triggered immediate damage assessments. Initial reports from Taipei indicated no major structural damage had been found.

Seismic Activity Details and Immediate Response

The quake’s epicenter was located 32 kilometers off Yilan’s coast. It occurred at a depth of 73 kilometers, as reported by Reuters. Taiwan’s fire department confirmed no tsunami warning was issued following the event.

Social media was quickly filled with videos from the scene. The footage showed people reacting in panic as buildings swayed. Goods were seen falling from shelves in supermarkets during the shaking.

Historical Context of Taiwan’s Earthquake Risk

Taiwan’s location makes it highly vulnerable to seismic activity. The island sits near the junction of two massive tectonic plates. This geography explains the frequency of significant earthquakes in the region.

This latest tremor follows a 6.0-magnitude quake that struck just days earlier. That event hit southeastern Taiwan’s Taitung county on Wednesday evening. The AFP reported no immediate damage from that earlier quake.

The most devastating recent event was a 7.4-magnitude quake in April 2024. That tremor, the strongest in 25 years, killed at least 17 people. It caused major landslides and severe damage around the eastern city of Hualien.

Taiwan has a long and tragic history with earthquakes. A 2016 quake in southern Taiwan claimed over 100 lives. An even more powerful 7.3-magnitude tremor in 1999 killed more than 2,000 people.

The latest 7.0 magnitude Taiwan earthquake underscores the persistent seismic threat facing the island. Authorities and residents remain on high alert as aftershocks continue to ripple through the region.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How strong was the Taiwan earthquake on Saturday?

The earthquake measured 7.0 in magnitude. It was centered off the coast of Yilan county in northeastern Taiwan. The tremor was felt across the island, including in the capital, Taipei.

Q2: Was there a tsunami warning after the quake?

No, officials did not issue a tsunami alert. Taiwan’s fire department confirmed this shortly after the earthquake occurred. The depth of the quake, 73 kilometers, reduced the tsunami risk.

Q3: Was this the only recent earthquake in Taiwan?

No, it was the second significant quake in three days. A 6.0-magnitude tremor hit Taitung county in southeastern Taiwan on Wednesday. Earlier in December, a 5.1-magnitude quake also struck near Hualien.

Q4: Why does Taiwan get so many earthquakes?

Taiwan is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This is a zone of high seismic activity where tectonic plates meet. The constant plate movement makes the region prone to frequent and sometimes powerful quakes.

Q5: What was the most damaging recent earthquake in Taiwan?

The most damaging recent quake was in April 2024. That 7.4-magnitude event killed at least 17 people. It caused extensive damage and landslides around Hualien city.

Q6: Has there been any reported damage from this quake?

Initial reports from Taipei indicated no major structural damage. Assessments of potential damage in other areas are ongoing. Social media videos showed goods falling in stores but no immediate reports of casualties.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Taiwan Central Weather Administration, US Geological Survey.