Taiwan Hit by 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake, Taipei Buildings Shaken in the Dead of Night

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's northeastern coast on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the island. The quake, which occurred at 23:05 pm local time, had its epicentre in Yilan County, approximately 32.3 kilometres east of the county hall. According to the Taiwan Central Weather Agency, the exact coordinates of the epicentre were 24.69°N, 122.08°E, with a focal depth of 72.8 km. Taiwan's National Fire Agency has begun assessing damage, but fortunately, no tsunami alert has been issued. The agency has also provided safety tips for residents, advising them to protect themselves immediately, stay away from hazardous objects, and wait until the shaking stops before taking action. While there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage, buildings in Taiwan's capital Taipei were swayed by the quake, and tremors were felt across the island. This latest quake comes just three days after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan's southeastern coastal county of Taitung, causing buildings in Taipei to shake. In recent history, Taiwan has experienced significant earthquakes, including a 7.4 magnitude quake in April 2024, which killed at least 17 people and triggered landslides. The island's residents are likely to remain vigilant following the latest quake, which has shaken buildings and sent shockwaves across the nation.