In the early hours of Friday morning, a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, sending shockwaves across the island nation. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 34 kilometers (21 miles) east of Hualien, a city known for its scenic coastline. The quake occurred at a depth of 9.7 kilometers, according to the island’s Meteorological Department.
The tremors were strongly felt in the capital city of Taipei, where buildings swayed, and residents rushed out of their homes in fear. The sudden and intense shaking caused widespread panic, with people gathering in open areas, fearful of aftershocks. Several videos capturing the scene, showing people fleeing to safety and objects toppling indoors, have quickly gone viral on social media.
Emergency services were immediately placed on high alert as authorities assessed the situation. As of now, there are no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, though minor structural damages in some areas have been noted. The government has urged citizens to stay vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks, which often follow major quakes in this region.
Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is frequently hit by earthquakes. The 6.3 magnitude quake has once again highlighted the island’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Taiwan’s disaster response teams are fully mobilized, and updates are expected as the situation develops.
This earthquake serves as a reminder of the ever-present seismic risks faced by Taiwan, where tremors of varying intensities are a regular occurrence. Authorities are advising residents to stay safe and follow official guidelines in case of further tremors.
