A 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook Taiwan’s east coast on Friday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor, which was felt as far as the capital Taipei, struck near Hualien at 7:35 AM local time at a depth of 15 kilometers (about nine miles).
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration initially reported the quake as a 6.3 magnitude and promptly issued an alert advising the public to “keep calm and seek cover nearby.” Despite the severity, there were no reports of significant damage.
In Hualien, two individuals were briefly trapped in elevators but were successfully rescued by local firefighters. The National Fire Agency confirmed that all high-speed trains, rail, and metro systems were operating normally.
Although there was no major damage, the government urged residents to remain vigilant and prepare for potential aftershocks, especially following a 5.4-magnitude tremor the previous day.
Taiwan, located between two tectonic plates, is prone to frequent earthquakes. The island was last hit by a major earthquake in April 2024, when a 7.4-magnitude quake resulted in 17 deaths and widespread damage, particularly around Hualien.