Tuesday briefing: What you need to know about Taiwan tonight

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan stands resilient amid recent upheavals as a powerful earthquake sends shockwaves through its technological hubs, military bases, economic plans, and cultural festivities. From Chiayi County's seismic jolt to a tragic accident at a Taichung air base, and from sweeping budget cuts to the bustling energy of Lunar New Year markets, the island navigates a tapestry of challenges and celebrations. Here are the five news stories you need to know tonight:

Earthquake Rattles Taiwan, Injures 26

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Chiayi County early Tuesday, injuring 26 people in Tainan and triggering several aftershocks across Taiwan. Rescue teams responded quickly, pulling 11 residents from the rubble in Tainan's Nanxi District, with the Tainan Fire Bureau reporting minor injuries.

Emergency services were alerted to house collapses on Minzu Road at 12:19 a.m., affecting over 10 single-story houses. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) visited the area to pledge support, including warm clothing and meals, while authorities remain vigilant against potential aftershocks.

TSMC Operations Disrupted by Seismic Activity
The earthquake that shook Chiayi also led to precautionary shutdowns at major facilities in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, though no casualties or infrastructure damage were reported. The quake, originating less than 10 kilometers deep, caused several aftershocks above magnitude 5.

Key Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC, 台積電) facilities, including the Southern and Central Taiwan Science Parks, experienced operational disruptions. While damage assessments are completed, the absence of casualties or secondary disasters provides some relief.

Tragic Accident Claims Air Force Sergeant's Life
At Taichung's Ching-Chuan-Kang Air Base, a tragic accident claimed the life of Air Force sergeant Hu (胡) during a pre-shutdown inspection of an AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo fighter jet. Despite immediate medical attention, Hu succumbed to his injuries.

The incident marks the second occurrence of such an accident at the base. Hu, a recent sergeant graduate from the Air Force Institute of Technology, was conducting routine checks when the accident happened, prompting a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause.

Record Budget Cuts in Taiwan's 2025 Fiscal Plan
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan approved a significant NT$207.5 billion cut in the 2025 central government budget, the largest on record, reducing expenditures to NT$2.9248 trillion. This followed a 20-hour marathon session that concluded early Tuesday.

The budget cuts include a 10% reduction in water and electricity expenses and a 60% cut in special expenses for several government bodies. Military expenses saw a 3% reduction, while media policy and advocacy expenses faced stringent limits, reflecting a focus on fiscal restraint.

Lunar New Year Markets: A Cultural Extravaganza
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Taiwan's markets are bustling with activity, blending culture and commerce. Taipei's Dihua Street leads as a favored destination, offering traditional herbs and hand-painted spring couplets, drawing large crowds.

In Tainan and Taichung, markets offer festival gift boxes and street performances, though there are mixed opinions on the prevalence of food stalls. These markets serve as cultural microcosms, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories.