Taiwan Shaken by 6.0 Magnitude Quake: 27 Injured, Landslides, and Dramatic Rescues

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake rattled Taiwan on Tuesday, causing injuries to 27 individuals, triggering landslides, and damaging buildings across the region. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck shortly after midnight, with tremors felt in the capital city of Taipei for nearly a minute. The earthquake's epicenter was located 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) north of Yujing, a district known for its mango cultivation in southern Taiwan. In the aftermath, rescue operations were launched, with firefighters successfully rescuing three individuals, including a child, from the rubble of a collapsed house in the nearby Nanxi district. Footage shared on social media depicted the dramatic rescue, further underscoring the quake's impact. In addition to structural damage, authorities reported that one person was injured by falling debris, while two more required help after becoming trapped in elevators. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration has noted that over 50 aftershocks followed the main quake, which it initially recorded as a magnitude 6.4. The National Fire Agency revealed that numerous homes suffered significant damage, with ceilings collapsing and roads obstructed by landslides and falling rocks. Despite these incidents, officials have reported "no major damage" from the quake itself, as confirmed by the Health Ministry. In response to the earthquake, classes and office work were canceled in affected areas, particularly in Nanxi and Dapu Township, located in mountainous Chiayi County. Some roads were deemed impassable due to damage, while disruptions to water and electricity supplies were reported, according to Chiayi County chief Weng Chang-liang. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the island's leading chipmaker, took precautionary measures by evacuating workers from its central and southern facilities during the tremor, reflecting the readiness of businesses to respond quickly to natural disasters. Taiwan lies on the boundary of two tectonic plates, making it susceptible to earthquakes. The region sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire, the world’s most seismically active zone. This recent quake comes on the heels of a particularly devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake in April 2024 that resulted in at least 17 fatalities and widespread destruction, marking it as one of the most serious seismic events in recent memory. Since the catastrophic 1999 earthquake, which claimed around 2,400 lives, Taiwan has implemented extensive upgrades to its building codes, incorporating quake-resistant features to better withstand seismic activity. The island has also developed advanced early warning systems capable of alerting the public to impending tremors within seconds, significantly enhancing the safety measures in place for its residents. As Taiwan continues to navigate the challenges posed by its geological setting, the resilience and preparedness of its communities remain a vital focus, ensuring that they can respond effectively to future seismic events.