Taipei (Taiwan): A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck off Taiwan’s northeastern coast late on Saturday, causing buildings to shake in the capital city of Taipei, according to the island’s weather administration.
The quake occurred about 32 kilometres off the coastal city of Yilan and had a focal depth of approximately 73 kilometres. Authorities said tremors were widely felt across northern parts of the island, prompting residents to rush outdoors as a precaution.
The National Fire Agency said damage assessment operations were underway to determine the impact of the seismic activity. No immediate reports of casualties or major destruction were confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Taiwan is located near the convergence of two tectonic plates, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. The island has witnessed several deadly quakes in the past, including a powerful earthquake in 1999 that claimed over 2,000 lives and another in southern Taiwan in 2016 that killed more than 100 people.
Officials have urged citizens to remain alert and follow safety advisories as aftershocks cannot be ruled out.
