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A magnitude-5.0 earthquake struck northeastern Taiwan on Wednesday, causing buildings in Taipei to sway, according to the US Geological Survey.
The earthquake, with a depth of approximately 70 kilometres, was centred in Yilan County, near the capital. Local fire authorities reported no immediate damage or injuries.
While the quake was felt in Taipei, the National Fire Agency confirmed no widespread damage across the island. Train services, including high-speed rail, remained operational, though Taipei’s metro briefly reduced train speeds.
Taiwan’s frequent earthquakes are attributed to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly seismically active region.
The island recently experienced a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake in April 2024, which resulted in 17 deaths and significant damage, particularly in Hualien. This was the most powerful tremor since the deadly 1999 earthquake.
Following the 1999 disaster, Taiwan implemented stricter building codes and developed an advanced earthquake early warning system. This system, leveraging technology like smartphones and high-speed data, provides rapid alerts to the public, even in remote areas.
