Powerful 6.4 Magnitude Quake Strikes Chiayi, Leaving Damage and Aftershocks Behind

Powerful 6.4 Magnitude Quake Strikes Chiayi, Leaving Damage and Aftershocks Behind

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit southeastern Chiayi County, injuring 44, damaging buildings, and prompting evacuations. Aftershocks continue.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
Natural Disasters 8 HOURS AGO

In the early hours of yesterday morning, a powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Chiayi County at 12:17 AM, causing widespread damage and leaving 44 individuals with minor injuries. The quake's epicenter was located approximately 37.9 kilometers southeast of Chiayi County Hall, at a depth of 9.7 kilometers. The tremor lasted for about 43 seconds, sending shockwaves through nearby areas. As of late afternoon, the National Fire Agency reported that many houses in Tainan and Chiayi County were severely impacted, leading to the evacuation of 28 residents to temporary shelters. Notably, a six-story building in Tainan’s Yuchin District was among the structures that suffered significant damage, prompting concerns over its stability. Aftershocks have continued to rattle the region, with the Central Weather Administration (CWA) recording 61 instances, including two that registered between magnitudes 5 and 6, and a further 16 between magnitudes 4 and 5. Most aftershocks were concentrated near the epicenter in Dapu Township and Tainan's Nansi District. CWA seismological center deputy director Wu Chien-fu stated that this was the first earthquake of such magnitude recorded within 30 kilometers of the epicenter since 1976. Notably, the earthquake was not linked to the Meishan Fault, which lies about 50 kilometers away, and Wu indicated that further studies are necessary to understand the relationship between the quake and three other nearby faults. In response to the emergency, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (TSMC) promptly evacuated personnel from several factories in central and southern Taiwan. Fortunately, after conducting thorough inspections, the company confirmed that no injuries occurred at their facilities, and production has since resumed without any damage reported. The local government is mobilizing resources to assess the damage and ensure the safety of residents. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che has indicated that civil and structural engineers will compile a list of buildings deemed unsafe. Residents evacuated from the severely damaged six-story building were allowed back temporarily to retrieve essential belongings after structural supports were installed. Additionally, the government is offering assistance to those affected, including financial support to help alleviate the impacts of the earthquake during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. The National Taxation Administration of Southern Area also announced that it would facilitate tax relief for residents impacted by the quake. As rescue efforts continue, the community remains on high alert for potential aftershocks in the coming days, with authorities urging residents to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols.

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