TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A magnitude 5.8 earthquake rattled northeastern Taiwan, shaking the region at 9:53 a.m on Wednesday. The tremor's epicenter was pinpointed in Su'ao Township (蘇澳鎮) of Yilan County (宜蘭縣) at a depth of 72 kilometers, according to the Central Weather Administration's (CWA, 氣象署) automated reports. In response, the Taipei Metro (北捷) swiftly activated its safety protocols, conducting slow-speed rail inspections and comprehensive equipment checks. Officials confirmed no irregularities, while stations amplified passenger announcements to ensure public safety.
The earthquake's tremors were felt across Taipei, Keelung, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Yilan, all experiencing intensity levels of 3 or higher. Other regions, including Hualien, Taichung, and Nantou, reported similar intensity levels of 3. Meanwhile, Miaoli, Chiayi, and Yunlin registered at level 2, with Taitung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan experiencing lighter shakes at level 1. Although this data was automatically disseminated by the system, officials are still in the process of manual verification.
The previous night, the Central Weather Administration had issued an alert regarding a significant seismic event, a 5.9 magnitude quake off Taiwan's eastern coast at 11:26 p.m., originating from a depth of 15.3 kilometers and registering a maximum intensity of level 3. The agency has called on residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines, as authorities continue to closely monitor seismic activities and provide timely updates.
