A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Taiwan, causing intense shaking reported by residents in Taipei. The seismic event occurred off the northeastern coast of the country, near Yilan County, at a depth of approximately 73km around 12:06 am on December 28 (local time). Following the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Miyakojima and Yaeyama regions of Okinawa Prefecture, although significant waves are not anticipated. Authorities in Taiwan have reassured the public that there is no immediate local tsunami threat.
The Taoyuan City metro system, located southwest of Taipei, was temporarily suspended as confirmed by local media outlets. Fortunately, there have been no casualties or injuries reported thus far.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment when a subway station trembled during the 7.0-magnitude earthquake.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration stated that the offshore location of the earthquake has limited the extent of damage, but cautioned the public to remain vigilant for aftershocks ranging from magnitude 5.5 to 6.0 over the next 24 hours. Taiwan is prone to earthquakes due to the tectonic activity between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
In a tragic reminder of the country’s seismic vulnerability, past earthquakes have caused significant devastation. In April 2024, a 7.2-magnitude quake struck near Hualien City, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. Similarly, in February 2016, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in southern Taiwan claimed more than 100 lives. The deadliest recorded earthquake in recent history struck in September 1999 when a 7.3-magnitude quake hit Jiji in Nantou County, claiming the lives of over 2,000 individuals.
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan urged residents to remain alert for potential aftershocks and advised them to check on their loved ones. Reports from local media indicated some ceiling collapses and toppling of supermarket shelves. Additionally, over 3,000 homes in Yilan experienced a brief power outage, according to the Taiwan Power Company.
While the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for certain regions, no significant sea level changes are expected. Minor fluctuations and low tsunami heights are forecasted, with no major impact anticipated. In contrast, Taiwanese officials have not issued any tsunami warnings.
Several cities and counties, including Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Yilan County, felt the earthquake at intensity level 4, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. At this level, many residents indoors experienced shaking, with minor disturbances like rattling windows or clinking dishes, typically causing no major structural harm.
As a safety measure, all Taoyuan Metro train services were halted following the earthquake. The metro system, linking Taoyuan City to Taoyuan International Airport, serves the northwestern region of Taiwan near Taipei.
The earthquake’s epicenter was off the coast of Yilan County in northeastern Taiwan, approximately 32km east of the county beneath the sea bed. The quake’s depth, as reported by the Central Weather Administration, was around 73km.
A video shared by CNN International correspondent Will Ripley captured the tremors felt in Taipei following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake.