A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake has struck Taiwan, causing intense tremors reported by residents in Taipei. The earthquake occurred off the coast of Yilan Country at 12.06am on December 28, with a depth of approximately 73km. Following the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Miyakojima and Yaeyama regions of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, although significant waves are not expected. Authorities in Taiwan have reassured the public that there is no local tsunami threat.
Reports from local media indicate that the Taoyuan City metro system, located west of Taipei, has been temporarily suspended. Fortunately, there have been no casualties or injuries reported thus far.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory at 12.13am on December 28. Minor sea level changes are anticipated in the Miyakojima and Yaeyama regions of Okinawa Prefecture, with the projected tsunami height below 0.2m, according to Japanese broadcaster Fukui Shimbun. While no major flooding or damage is expected, individuals might observe minor waves or currents in ports.
Several cities and counties, including Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Yilan County, felt the earthquake at intensity 4, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. This level of intensity typically causes noticeable shaking indoors, such as rattling windows, clinking dishes, and swaying vehicles, without causing significant structural harm.
In response to the earthquake, all Taoyuan Metro train services were suspended as national sirens sounded. The metro system serves Taoyuan City in northwestern Taiwan, linking the city to Taoyuan International Airport.
The earthquake’s epicenter was off the coast of Yilan County, approximately 32km east of the county in northeastern Taiwan, with a depth of about 73km, as reported by the Central Weather Administration. A video shared by CNN international correspondent Will Ripley captured the tremors following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Taipei.
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