Taiwan Hit by Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake, Residents Urged to Be Alert for Aftershocks

The earthquake that struck Taiwan on December 27, 2025, was recorded as having a magnitude of 7.0, according to the Taiwan Meteorological Administration and several local media outlets.

Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a slightly lower magnitude of 6.6.

The earthquake's epicenter was located off the northeastern coast of Taiwan, about 32 kilometers from Yilan, at a depth of approximately 73 kilometers.

The earthquake was widely felt throughout northern Taiwan, including major cities such as Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan.

The highest intensity reached level 4 on Taiwan's seven-level intensity scale in many densely populated areas, causing buildings to sway strongly and sparking panic.

Thankfully, initial reports indicate no casualties or major damage from today's Taiwan earthquake.

However, minor incidents, such as gas and water leaks, and minor damage to older buildings, were reported in several locations.

In Taipei and New Taipei, incidents such as falling bricks and people trapped in elevators were major concerns, although they were quickly resolved.

More than 3,000 homes in Yilan experienced a temporary power outage triggered by an automatic safety system, but power was restored quickly.

The transportation sector also experienced brief disruptions. Taiwan Railway suspended four train services in Yilan, affecting more than 270 passengers.

The Taipei Metro operated at reduced speeds as a precautionary measure before returning to normal after thorough safety checks.

Semiconductor giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) confirmed that its facility in the northern Hsinchu Science Park had briefly implemented automatic evacuation procedures.

Taiwan President William 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.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai immediately urged the public to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.

The Taiwan Meteorological Administration specifically warned of the possibility of aftershocks with magnitudes between 5.5 and 6.0 in the coming days.

Taiwan is located on the edge of two tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

This 7.0 magnitude earthquake was the second major earthquake in the past week, following a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Taitung on December 24, 2025.

It was also the second strongest earthquake recorded since a devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake in 1999 that killed thousands.