A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, causing intense tremors felt by residents in Taipei. The earthquake occurred off the country’s northeastern coast near Yilan County, at a depth of approximately 73km around 12:06 am on December 28, local time.
Following the seismic activity, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Miyakojima and Yaeyama regions of Okinawa Prefecture. However, authorities in Taiwan confirmed that there was no immediate local tsunami threat.
Local media reported that the Taoyuan City metro system, located southwest of Taipei, was temporarily suspended. Fortunately, there have been no casualties or injuries reported as a result of the earthquake.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment a subway station shook during the 7.0-magnitude quake. The Central Weather Administration of Taiwan stated that while the offshore earthquake resulted in limited damage, people should remain cautious as aftershocks in the magnitude range of 5.5 to 6.0 may occur within the next 24 hours.
Taiwan, due to the tectonic activity between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, is known for its susceptibility to earthquakes. Previous significant seismic events in the region include a 7.2-magnitude quake in April 2024 near Hualien City, which claimed at least 18 lives, and a 7.3-magnitude earthquake in September 1999 in Jiji, Nantou County, which resulted in over 2,000 fatalities.
President Lai Ching-te advised residents to stay alert for potential aftershocks and to reach out to loved ones. Some minor structural damages, such as collapsed ceilings and toppled shelves in supermarkets, were reported. Additionally, over 3,000 homes in Yilan experienced a brief power outage.
Although a tsunami advisory was issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency for specific regions, Taiwanese officials did not announce any tsunami alerts. A number of cities and counties, including Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Yilan County, felt the earthquake at intensity 4, causing noticeable indoor shaking and rattling of objects.
As a safety precaution, all Taoyuan Metro services were temporarily suspended while national sirens sounded. The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 32km east of Yilan County beneath the sea, with a depth of approximately 73km, according to the Central Weather Administration.
Reporters, including CNN International correspondent Will Ripley, shared videos capturing the earthquake’s impact, with one video showing prolonged shaking in Taipei.