Taiwan Rattled by 7.0 Magnitude Quake, No Major Damage Reported

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan on Friday, shaking buildings across the island and prompting emergency responses, though authorities said there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.

The quake struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast at a moderate depth, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. Tremors were felt in the capital, Taipei, i and as far awayas thes southern parts of the island, sending residents rushing outdoors and briefly disrupting transportation and daily activities.

Emergency services were placed on alert as authorities assessed the impact. Taiwan’s fire department said initial inspections showed no significant damage to critical infrastructure, including power plants, railways, and airports. High-speed rail services were temporarily slowed as a precaution but later resumed normal operations.

Several buildings swayed during the quake, and reports of falling objects and cracked walls emerged in some areas. However, officials said the island’s strict building standards and earthquake preparedness likely helped minimize damage.

Taiwan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions, and experiences frequent earthquakes. The government has invested heavily in disaster readiness following deadly quakes in the past, including the 1999 earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people.

President Lai Ching-te said authorities were closely monitoring the situation and urged the public to remain cautious in case of aftershocks. “Our emergency systems are fully activated,” he said in a statement, adding that rescue teams were ready to respond if needed.

The earthquake was also felt in parts of neighbouring regions, according to social media users, though no damage was reported outside Taiwan.

Seismologists warned that aftershocks could follow in the coming hours or days, a common occurrence after strong earthquakes. Residents were advised to check buildings for structural damage and follow safety guidelines.

Markets showed little reaction to the quake, with analysts noting that the absence of major damage helped ease concerns over supply chain disruptions, particularly in Taiwan’s critical semiconductor industry.

Authorities said damage assessments were ongoing and pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.

For more such articles, please follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.