Daijiworld Media Network - Taipei

Taipei, Dec 27: A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Taiwan late Saturday night, jolting buildings and triggering widespread tremors across the island, officials said.

According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, the quake occurred at 11.05 pm (local time) off the northeastern coast near Yilan city. The epicentre was located about 32.3 km east of Yilan County Hall at coordinates 24.69°N and 122.08°E, with a focal depth of 72.8 km.

The National Fire Agency said damage assessment was underway, though no immediate reports of casualties or major destruction were received. Authorities confirmed that no tsunami alert was issued following the quake.

Local media reports said buildings in the capital Taipei swayed as tremors were felt across large parts of Taiwan. The Taipei city government said there were no reports of injuries as of now.

As the earthquake struck late at night, the Fire Agency issued safety advisories on social media, urging residents to protect themselves, stay away from dangerous objects, keep shoes and a flashlight nearby, and wait for shaking to stop before moving, while remaining alert to possible aftershocks.

The latest tremor comes just days after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s southeastern Taitung county earlier this week, shaking buildings in Taipei and knocking items off shelves near the epicentre.

In April 2024, Taiwan was hit by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake — the strongest in 25 years — which claimed at least 17 lives and caused extensive damage and landslides around Hualien.