Taiwan hit by 7.0 earthquake off Yilan

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Taiwan’s north-eastern county of Yilan late on Saturday, shaking buildings across the island, including in the capital Taipei, authorities said.

Taiwan’s weather administration said the quake hit about 32 kilometres off Yilan at a depth of 73 kilometres, an offshore and relatively deep event that helped limit the damage.

The tremor was felt across much of Taiwan and was assigned an intensity-four rating, indicating the potential for minor damage.

Local governments reported no major damage or casualties, though there were isolated incidents.

Taipei city officials said there were cases of gas and water leaks and minor structural damage. In Yilan, more than 3,000 households briefly lost power, according to Taiwan Power Company.

Emergency services said response teams were deployed as a precaution, while rail services in some areas were slowed or temporarily suspended for safety checks.

Major semiconductor manufacturer TSMC said a small number of facilities at the Hsinchu Science Park met evacuation thresholds following the quake.

Staff were evacuated briefly and later returned to their posts, the company said, adding that operations were not significantly affected.

The quake was the second to strike Taiwan in recent days, after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit the southeastern county of Taitung earlier this week, shaking buildings in Taipei but causing no reported damage.

Taiwan’s weather administration warned residents to remain alert for aftershocks of between magnitude 5.5 and 6.0 over the coming day, noting that aftershocks are common following strong earthquakes.

President Lai Ching-te said authorities had the situation under control and urged the public to stay vigilant and follow official guidance.

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. More than 100 people were killed in a quake in southern Taiwan in 2016, while a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in 1999 claimed more than 2,000 lives.

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