Magnitude 6 Earthquake Strikes Southern Taiwan, 15 People Hospitalized with Injuries

Taiwan : A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck southern Taiwan early on Tuesday, causing 15 people to suffer minor injuries and prompting swift emergency responses across the region. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 12:17 am local time (1600 GMT Monday). Its epicenter was located approximately 12 kilometers north of Yujing, at a depth of 10 kilometers. However, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration registered the tremor with a slightly higher magnitude of 6.4.

Although no fatalities have been reported, the earthquake created significant concern, with authorities rushing to assess the damage and provide aid. The tremor caused buildings to shake violently, startling residents, and triggering temporary evacuations in some areas. In the aftermath, rescue teams were dispatched to affected areas to assist those who were injured and to inspect infrastructure for damage.

Taiwan’s fire department confirmed that 15 people had been hospitalized with minor injuries. Among the injured, six people, including a child, were rescued from a collapsed house in the Nanxi District of Tainan city. Authorities also reported damage to the Zhuwei Bridge on a provincial highway, complicating transportation in the region. The bridge damage added to the challenges faced by rescue teams as they worked to reach affected individuals and secure vulnerable areas.

Taiwan is no stranger to earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for intense seismic activity. The island has been hit by several powerful earthquakes in recent years. Just last April, Taiwan experienced a magnitude 7.4 earthquake along its eastern coast near Hualien, which was the strongest earthquake in 25 years. That tremor caused widespread destruction, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 1,000 others. It also triggered hundreds of aftershocks, complicating rescue efforts and leading to further damage.

The most recent earthquake has prompted concerns about potential aftershocks, which are common in the region. Taiwan’s government has urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, particularly as rescue operations continue and further assessments of structural damage take place.

Local agencies, including the National Fire Agency and Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau, are working to ensure that emergency services are prepared for any additional seismic events. The government has also announced that it will provide support to those affected by the earthquake, including medical assistance and temporary shelter.