On January 30, 2025, Taiwan experienced significant seismic activity as a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the island, followed by at least a dozen aftershocks. The earthquake occurred at 10:11 AM local time, with its epicenter located in Dapu Township, Chiayi County, approximately 40.5 kilometers southeast of Chiayi County Hall and at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).
The tremor was notable for causing little damage, but it still left residents rattled as buildings swayed. According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) and the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake’s intensity was highest in Chiayi County, where it registered 5 on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale. Despite the shaking, no injuries were reported, and crews were dispatched to check for damages, clear away fallen tiles and signs, and resume normal operations, including the temporary suspension of train services for safety checks.
This earthquake was just one of many recent seismic events affecting the island. It was preceded by significant seismic activity—a magnitude 6.4 earthquake on January 21, 2025, which injured 15 people and caused structural damage. This earlier quake triggered the aftershocks observed on the 30th—including smaller tremors measuring 3.2 to 4.3 magnitude—suggesting the region is under increased seismic stress.
"This was the third wave of quakes, and if there is a fourth wave, it will likely be smaller," noted Kuo Kai-wen, the former head of the CWA's Seismological Center. The CWA has indicated the region is likely to see more aftershocks over the coming weeks. The agency’s Seismological Center stated, "Although the frequency of aftershocks from the January 21 quake has gradually decreased recently, there is still a possibility of larger-scale aftershocks."
Last year, Taiwan was struck by several notable earthquakes, the most disastrous being the magnitude 7.4 quake hitting Hualien County which resulted in 13 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries, along with widespread structural collapses. Earthquakes are not uncommon for Taiwan, which lies along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'—an area known for its high seismic activity.
Notably, Thursday's tremor came during peak travel times as families celebrated the week-long Lunar New Year festival—a period when millions travel around the island. The grounding of trains brought interruptions but was managed swiftly thanks to pre-established emergency response protocols. Upon completion of operational checks, service resumed, allowing travelers to continue their holiday plans.
While only minor incidents were reported from the recent earthquake series, local officials, including industry representatives from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), confirmed their sites remained operational and safe following precautionary inspections post-quake. TSMC's operations are critically important to global tech supply chains, making the stability of facilities during seismic events particularly pertinent.
Residents and authorities alike have been encouraged to stay vigilant as the region remains under scrutiny for potential seismic activity. Beyond the immediate impact of the earthquakes, geologists have indicated the interplay of tectonic forces between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate are largely responsible for these frequent seismic events. Ho Mei-yi, head of the CWA's Seismological Center remarked, "The aftershocks have been distributed over a wide area, and have not followed any clear trend," indicating the unpredictability of tectonic shifts.
Local communities have established drills and preparedness measures to respond to future tremors, reinforcing public education on earthquake safety protocols. Cellphones provide alerts upon strong quakes, ensuring residents receive timely information to respond to the potential dangers associated with living along one of the world's most active seismic zones.
Although the initial earthquake on January 30 left little destruction, experts caution residents to remain aware of the risks. The CWA and experts stress the importance of preparedness as the likelihood of more seismic activities within the weeks to come looms. The historic and geophysical realities of Taiwan necessitate not only constant vigilance but also proactive community engagement to build resilience against these natural forces.