Taiwan, Dec 28 : A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Taiwan late Saturday night, sending tremors across large parts of the island, local media reported.
According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA), the earthquake occurred at 11:05 p.m. local time. The epicentre was located in the sea, approximately 32 kilometres east of Yilan County, at a depth of around 73 kilometres, Focus Taiwan reported.
The tremors were widely felt in several regions, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Taoyuan and Tainan, as well as counties such as Hualien, Yilan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Nantou, Changhua, Yunlin, Taitung and Chiayi. Keelung, Hsinchu and Chiayi cities also experienced shaking.
Official data showed the earthquake registered an intensity level of 4 in Yilan County on Taiwan’s seven-level intensity scale. Similar tremors were reported across eastern, northern and central Taiwan, including Taipei, while intensity levels were slightly lower in the south, with readings of 3 in Kaohsiung and Pingtung County. Outlying regions recorded lighter tremors, with intensity levels of 2 in Lienchiang and Penghu counties and 1 in Kinmen County.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage following the quake.
Speaking at a late-night briefing around 11:50 p.m., the CWA said this was only the third earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher to strike Taiwan in recorded history. Previous major earthquakes included the deadly 7.3-magnitude quake in September 1999 and a 7.2-magnitude tremor in April last year, Taipei Times reported.
The CWA said the earthquake was caused by tectonic movement between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. With a depth of 72.8 kilometres, it was classified as an intermediate-depth earthquake. Officials noted that while the quake was felt over a wide area due to its depth and offshore origin, significant damage was not expected.
Authorities warned that aftershocks measuring between 5.5 and 6.0 could occur within the next 24 hours and urged residents to remain alert.
This is the second strong earthquake to hit Taiwan so far this year.