A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, causing intense tremors reported by residents in Taipei. The earthquake occurred off the country’s northeastern coast, near Yilan County, at a depth of approximately 73km around 12.06am on December 28 (local time). Following the seismic activity, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Miyakojima and Yaeyama regions of Okinawa Prefecture, although no significant waves are anticipated. Local authorities in Taiwan have confirmed that there is no immediate risk of a local tsunami.
In response to the earthquake, the Taoyuan City metro system, located southwest of Taipei, was temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or injuries resulting from the seismic event.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment when a subway station in Taiwan was shaking during the 7.0-magnitude earthquake. The Central Weather Administration in Taiwan indicated that due to the offshore location of the earthquake, the extent of damage is limited. However, residents are advised to remain alert for potential aftershocks ranging from magnitude 5.5 to 6.0 in the next 24 hours.
Taiwan is known for its susceptibility to earthquakes due to the tectonic interactions between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The country has experienced significant seismic events in the past, including a 7.2-magnitude quake near Hualien City in April 2024, which resulted in casualties and injuries. In a separate incident in September 1999, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake in Jiji, Nantou County, claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals.
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan has urged the population to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks and to check on the well-being of their loved ones. Reports from local media indicated minor damages such as collapsed ceilings and toppled supermarket shelves, with over 3,000 homes in Yilan experiencing temporary power outages.
While the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for certain regions, Taiwan officials have not issued a similar warning. Various cities and counties, including Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Yilan County, experienced the earthquake at an intensity level of 4, causing noticeable shaking indoors but typically resulting in no significant structural harm.
In response to the earthquake, all Taoyuan Metro train services were halted as national sirens sounded. The metro system, which serves Taoyuan City and connects the area to Taoyuan International Airport, was affected by the seismic activity. The earthquake’s epicenter was located off the coast of Yilan County, with the quake originating approximately 32km east of the county beneath the sea at a depth of 73km, as reported by the Central Weather Administration.
A video shared by CNN International correspondent Will Ripley captured the tremors following the earthquake in Taipei. The building shaking was recorded for nearly a minute, emphasizing the intensity of the seismic event.