Taiwan rattled by 7-magnitude quake
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TAIPEI – A 7-magnitude earthquake struck some 32km off Taiwan’s north-eastern coastal city of Yilan late on Dec 27, the island’s weather administration said, with no immediate reports of major damage.
The quake with a depth of 73km hit at 11.05pm. It was felt across north Taiwan and shook buildings in the capital Taipei, the administration added, assigning it an intensity-four category, meaning there could be minor damage.
Taipei city’s government said there was no major damage reported in the immediate aftermath, with some isolated cases of damage including gas and water leakage and minor damage to buildings.
More than 3,000 homes in Yilan briefly lost power, Taiwan Power Company said. The Yilan County Fire Bureau told AFP there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Taiwan Railway said it suspended four trains operating in Yilan, affecting more than 270 passengers.
The quake shook buildings in the capital Taipei and had a depth of 73km.
PHOTO: USGS
Taipei’s metro lines were running at reduced speed for around 20 minutes until no abnormalities were reported in the stations and tracks, authorities said.
Premier Cho Jung-tai urged the public to “remain vigilant and be mindful of the safety of your neighbours” in a statement issued after the quake.
“A strong earthquake struck an hour ago (11.05pm local time). After repeatedly checking the situation in various locations, thankfully, there were only minor incidents,” he said in a separate post on Facebook.
Major chipmaker TSMC said a small number of its facilities in the northern Hsinchu Science Park met evacuation thresholds after the quake and evacuated staff had since returned to their posts.
The weather administration said people should be on alert for aftershocks between 5.5 and 6.0 in the coming day. It also said damage from the quake should be limited because it was relatively deep and hit offshore.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said in a social media post that authorities had the situation under control and also urged the population to be on alert for aftershocks.
This quake follows a 6.1-magnitude one
Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes.
More than 100 people were killed in a quake in southern Taiwan in 2016, while a 7.3-magnitude quake killed more than 2,000 people in 1999.
Singaporeans travelling or residing in Taiwan should take extra precautions as there may be aftershocks, said the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei in a Facebook post late on Dec 27.
They should monitor the news for latest updates and heed the advice of local authorities, the trade office said, adding that these individuals should stay in touch with their families and friends in Singapore so that they know they are safe.
Those who require urgent consular assistance can contact visit its office at 9th floor, No. 85, Jen Ai Road, Section 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
They can also contact the office on +886 2 2772 1940, or on its emergency telephone number +886 953 532 638. The office can also be reached by e-mail at singtr_tpe@mfa.sg
