A 6.4 magnitude earthquake has struck southern Taiwan, near the city of Chiayi, in a mountainous area, according to Taiwan’s weather administration. Initial assessments indicate minor damage, although chipmaker TSMC responded by evacuating staff from its factories in the central and southern regions of the island.
The quake, centered in Dapu township at a depth of 9.4 km (6 miles), caused buildings to sway in the capital, Taipei. In Tainan, the fire department reported that three people were trapped in a damaged building, prompting swift action from rescue workers. The Tainan Science Park, housing major manufacturers including TSMC, also saw evacuations of its buildings.
Taiwan’s location near the convergence of two tectonic plates makes it susceptible to seismic activity. Recent historical events underline this peril: a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in April struck Hualien on the East Coast, claiming 13 lives, while more than 100 fatalities occurred during a 2016 southern Taiwan earthquake. The devastating 1999 earthquake, registering 7.3 magnitude, resulted in over 2,000 deaths.
This latest tremor underscores the persistent earthquake threat faced by Taiwan and highlights the swift precautionary measures taken by industries like TSMC to safeguard their personnel in the wake of natural disasters.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/64-magnitude-earthquake-jolts-southern-taiwan-1157851-2025-01-20?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-01-20 23:15:00
