Residents of Taiwan were abruptly awakened on the night of January 20-21 by a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake, which rattled buildings across the capital, Taipei, for nearly one minute. Panic ensued as the quake, recorded at 00:17 local time (16:17 GMT), struck just 12 kilometers north of Yujing District, bringing back memories of past seismic events.
The tremor left at least 27 people injured, according to Taiwan's health ministry. Among the injured, three individuals, including a child, were rescued from the rubble of their collapsed home. Others sustained injuries from falling debris or became trapped inside elevators as power failures caused doors to malfunction.
Despite the earthquake’s intensity, local authorities report no major structural damage, thanks to the strict anti-seismic building practices implemented throughout the island. Firefighters from the Nanxi district stated, “No major damage has been reported,” which reflects the success of Taiwan’s improved construction codes developed after the devastating 1999 earthquake, which killed approximately 2,400 people and led to significant reforms.
Images from surveillance cameras showcased minor disruptions, such as swaying shelves at stores, particularly at a nut shop in Chiayi, where products toppled over without serious consequences. The swift reaction from emergency responders helped alleviate what could have been a more severe situation.
Among the taken precautions was the decision by TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, to evacuate employees from its central and southern factories. Although the company did not report any damage to its facilities, it acted swiftly to prioritize safety.
Seismologists explain this earthquake as part of Taiwan’s geographical reality, sitting at the convergence of two major tectonic plates near the Pacific Ring of Fire, recognized as the most seismically active region on the planet. The US Geological Survey noted the recurring nature of such seismic activities, with Taiwan frequently experiencing earthquakes.
The last significant quake, which occurred in April 2024, reached a magnitude of 7.4, tragically resulting in 17 deaths and severe damage, especially around the Hualien area. This history underlines the importance of consistent vigilance and preparedness among the island's residents.
Local authorities continue to bolster initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure resilience and earthquake preparedness among the populous. Awareness campaigns have been focused on teaching citizens how to react during tremors. Residents, accustomed to living with the constant threat of earthquakes, are urged to stay alert and prepared for any future quakes.
While the recent earthquake resulted in minimal injuries and no major damage, it serves as stark reminder of the natural threats facing Taiwan. The efforts made to improve building infrastructure have undoubtedly saved lives and minimized chaos, but the necessity for perpetual vigilance remains.