Magnitude 6.4 Earthquake in Chiayi County, Taiwan Causes 15 Minor Injuries, TSMC Evacuates Factories

Jan 20, 2025, 05:50 PM

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck southern Taiwan early Tuesday, centered in Chiayi County. The quake, which occurred at 12:17 a.m. local time, had its epicenter 37.9 kilometers southeast of Chiayi County Hall at a depth of 9.7 kilometers. The intensity of the earthquake reached a level of 6- on Taiwan's intensity scale in Chiayi County, and measured 5- in Tainan and Kaohsiung cities. The tremor caused minor injuries to 15 people, with six individuals, including a child, being rescued from a collapsed house in Tainan's Nanxi District. Additionally, the Zhuwei bridge on a provincial highway was reported damaged. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) evacuated staff from factories in central and southern Taiwan in response to the earthquake. The region experienced continuous aftershocks, with the Central Weather Administration warning of the potential for further significant seismic activity.